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Twelve games into a new season, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is pleased with veteran forward Andrei Kirilenko's production in a starter's role.

Kirilenko has started all 12 of Utah's contests, and is averaging 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists. In addition, he is shooting 43.9 percent from the field, 50 percent behind the 3-point line and 80.4 percent at the free-throw line.

"He gives us another guy that can make a play," said Sloan, prior to the Jazz's 98-88 home win over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night. "That's the bottom line."

Statistics aside, Sloan has been impressed by Kirilenko's focus, energy and execution. The 10th-year player has taken a lead role in Utah's offense, allowing newly acquired center Al Jefferson to find his way, and even providing forward Paul Millsap with a buffer zone.

Kirilenko has passed well, played aggressive defense and stayed within the Jazz's offense. Factor in that he recorded double digits in scoring in 10 of Utah's first 12 games — including seven consecutive contests — and Sloan's decision to start Kirilenko at small forward while having C.J. Miles come off the bench has initially been a winning one.

"Are you going to get a 30-point game every night? Probably not," Sloan said. "But you get some other things that makes the game a little bit easier to play."

As for Kirilenko, the lifetime Jazzman has also been comfortable in his early-season role. And he credited continual one-on-one sessions with Utah shooting consultant and ex-Jazz sharpshooter Jeff Hornacek with improving his touch from the perimeter.

"This year, we have a lot of changes," said Kirilenko, who played through a sprained left knuckle Wednesday. "So I think it's on the veterans a little bit more. … Set more [of an] example of what to bring to the floor."

Gradual change

Sloan also continued to praise the efforts of Jefferson, who is averaging 16.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 blocks.

Sloan did not know what to expect when the veteran big man joined the Jazz last summer. And while Sloan said that Jefferson can still improve everything from his passing and rebounding to shot selection, the overall first impression has been a positive one.

"I think he's worked extremely hard to try to improve himself," Sloan said.

bsmith@sltrib.comTwitter: @tribjazz