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Joe Johnson isn't sure when his number will be called.
The 35-year-old, playing in his 16th NBA season, is logging the fewest minutes per game of any season in his career.
But when the time comes, Jazz coach Quin Snyder hasn't been worried about looking to the veteran in the clutch.
"His play — it's hard for him, frankly. And it's something that I understand, we understand, and he understands, [but] it's just difficult at times because his minutes fluctuate," Snyder said. "And often times you're asking him to finish a game, and he hasn't played as many minutes as he's used to. But you see time and again what he can do down the stretch, and particularly at the end of the shot clock he's been able to make those shots."
The Jazz rested Johnson last week against the Orlando Magic, only to call upon him in the fourth quarter two nights later against the Phoenix Suns. After scoring 15 points in that contest, Johnson followed up the performance with 15 more points Friday in Dallas, including a crucial 3-pointer in overtime.
Johnson's 31 minutes against the Mavericks brought his season average per game up to 22.4 per game. The seven-time all-star, however, doesn't seem to mind.
"I'm willing to do whatever this team needs," he said. "However many minutes they need me to play, I'll be alright."
Neto gets the nod
The Jazz have been desperately searching for consistency from their backup point guard.
"We're just trying to find who's playing in a way that helps our team win," Snyder said. "At various times this year, it's been different guys."
"Who has earned the minutes? That is really what it comes down to as much as anything," the coach continued. "Who is doing the things to help our team win and who deserves to play?"
In recent days, Snyder has relied on Raul Neto, who has spent much of the season at the end of the bench, over Dante Exum and Shelvin Mack.
"He settles our group," Snyder said of Neto. "… He's a solider, is the bottom line. There's a consistency to the way that he's played throughout the year" in practice and in games.
Injury report
Shooting guard Rodney Hood (right knee hyperextension) missed his third consecutive game. Swingman Joe Ingles started in his place.
Twitter: @aaronfalk