Here are some observations made by the TNT crew who worked the Jazz-Mavericks game on Thursday night:
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Reggie Miller on Utah Jazz forward Paul Milsap: "He's very active and an undersized four-man. He's such a great and quick leaper and rebounder. That's what gives him the advantage when he goes against bigger players like Dirk Nowitzki."
Miller on the Jazz's youth: "When younger teams lose, they tend to lose focus. That's why the Jazz coaching staff and veteran players don't let the young guys slip. They let them play through their mistakes. They do play hard."
Charles Barkley comments on the Jazz: "(The Jazz) aren't as good as their record but I love what they're doing with that team. They have a bunch of young talent. They have a bright future and they are probably three years away from making the playoffs."
Kenny Smith on why the Jazz have improved this season: "The one thing that makes them better this year is that Ty Corbin has committed to the run and the pressure defense."
Miller on Jazz rookie center Enes Kanter: "You want this kid to succeed. In the NBA, you have to be quick. He is too slow in gathering himself. Players are too quick in the defensive zone."
Barkley on Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor: "He has done a great job. They have a very bright future in Utah. They are doing a great job of drafting players."
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My thoughts: Kenny Smith's praise of Ty Corbin is fine, but to suggest the Jazz did not run or play pressure defense under former coach Jerry Sloan is flat-out wrong. As far as Barkley is concerned, I like him as much as any basketball analyst around.
-- Steve Luhm
