This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It's unlikely the Jazz will start the same oversized frontcourt against Sacramento on Sunday night as they did in their 96-85 loss to the Lakers.
Trying to match up with Los Angeles on Friday night, Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin opened with Kyrylo Fesenko, Al Jefferson and Paul Millasp.
The move paid dividends.
The Jazz built a 41-24 lead in the second quarter and received a noticeable contribution from Fesenko.
He finished with four points, eight rebounds and two at-the-rim fouls on Kobe Bryant in a season-high 27 minutes.
"It was a good experience for me," Fesenko said. "… It was pretty cool. I think it worked out pretty good. Personally, I felt comfortable."
The Kings are not quite as big as the Lakers, so Corbin hinted he would start a smaller lineup in Sacramento.
Fesenko might return to the bench in favor of rookie Gordon Hayward.
"We still have [injured] guys out," Corbin said, "so have to keep trying to match up with different opponents. …
"We'll probably still have to move things around to see which lineup gives us the best chance of success."
Fes the kitty cat teddy bear
Fesenko committed two hard fouls on Bryant during a six-minute span of the third quarter.
He received a technical after the second foul, when he softly flipped the ball in Bryant's direction.
After the game, Bryant said he was not hurt on either play.
"Kitty cats can't hurt me," he told the Orange County Register.
After Fesenko's second foul on Bryant, Los Angeles closed the quarter on a 14-4 run.
Asked if Fesenko had "ignited" the Lakers, Bryant said, "Teddy bears don't ignite me."
Fesenko's take on the two fouls?
"When you are running full speed and trying to dunk on 7-1 [and] 300 pounds, you are taking your chances, right?" he said.
"Because it's Kobe Bryant, there's not much you can do. I was just trying to prevent him from scoring. I wasn't trying to be rude or anything. It's basketball."
Told Bryant called him a kitty cat and a teddy bear, Fesenko said, "Oh, that is so sweet."
So he didn't take offense?
"No, I'm not offended," Fesenko said. "Thank you. He put me on the map. Thank Kobe."
Sorry for Sacramento
Corbin played 16 seasons in the NBA, including two with the Kings.
Because of possible relocation to Anaheim, this game could the Jazz's last one in Sacramento.
The thought saddens Corbin.
"Tremendous community," he said. "They've done a great job, in my opinion, of supporting the franchise. The people have always been excited to have NBA games there. …
"I don't know the economics of the move — the potential move. But I think it would be a shock to the city if they leave."
Briefly
Andrei Kirilenko (knee), Raja Bell (foot), and Ronnie Price (foot) did not make the trip to Sacramento. Devin Harris (hamstring) made the trip and is questionable. … Fesenko had played only 18 minutes since March 12 before the Laker game. … D-League call-up Kyle Weaver played 10 minutes in his debut with the Jazz. He finished with two points, one rebound and two assists. Weaver is wearing No. 3. Others who have worn that jersey are Bryon Russell, Kirk Snyder, Milt Palacio, Jason Hart and Eric Maynor.