This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Quick analysis of the Jazz's 113-96 loss to Denver on Wednesday night at EnergySolutions Arena:
What happened
The Jazz's season-high winning streak of five games was shown to be fraudulent by a high-quality, well-rested opponent. Simply, the Jazz stopped making shots, and their defense was inadequate to keep them in the game as the Nuggets shot 56.2 percent from the field. Denver held the Jazz scoreless on their first six possessions of the third quarter, building a 13-point lead and effectively ending the game.
What went right
The Jazz got decent production from Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Gordon Hayward. Marvin Williams scored 10 points in the first half. Prior to Wednesday, the Jazz were 14-7 when he hit double figures. Make that 14-8 now, as Williams finished with 10 points.
What went wrong
After being on fire for three games, guard Mo Williams suffered through a 2-for-12 shooting night — and he made his final attempt. The Jazz made 4 of 17 3-pointers through three quarters and finished 6 of 20. Randy Foye made 2 of 8 3-pointers after going 11 of 17 in the last two games.
What it means
With six games remaining, the Jazz (39-37) now trail the Los Angeles Lakers by a half-game for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference. The Lakers have seven games left. The Jazz own the tiebreaker, meaning the Lakers have to win one more game than the Jazz the rest of the way.
What's next
The Jazz host New Orleans on Friday, then visit Golden State on Sunday. The Lakers host Memphis on Friday and meet the L.A. Clippers on Sunday.
Twitter: @tribkurt