This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Excerpts from interviews with the Utah Jazz's Jerry Sloan, Al Jefferson, Demetris Nichols and Earl Watson following Utah's 105-100 preseason victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday at U.S. Airways Center.Jefferson on being 3-0 and seeing growth:Preseason or not, when you step on that floor to play a game, you're there to win. We're not exactly where we want to be, of course. But just looking at the first three games and being able to bounce back when a team make a run; being able to get a stop when you need one — that helps. Confidence. There's still some things we got to improve in, but that's what preseason's for. You play these games to win. I get excited to win, because I haven't won many games in my career. So, to win three in a row against great teams. I mean, it ain't nothing that you've got to rest and get settled. But it keep you hungry when you want to get better.On the whether it is a positive sign that the Jazz are not holding practice Wednesday:Yeah. This Jerry's world, man. Whatever he say, I roll with. Sloan on his impressions of the game:I thought I saw some of the worst shots I've ever seen us take. ... I didn't want to call a timeout and yell and scream at them.On Othyus Jeffers:He played pretty good. He played pretty well. He's got a knack for trying to get the ball back in the basket once he gets down there. He got hurt a couple times defensively. ... He's still a young guy.On Jefferson:He's still trying to find his role. He's done a really good job since he's been here, trying to pass the ball a little more. He can really shoot the ball.Nichols on his performance:It's a big lift off my shoulders. It felt great. They weren't laying off me, I can't say that. I think when I'm open I've got a good chance of making my shots. Hopefully this continues. It's all paying off. Keep working.Watson on how comfortable he feels:For me, running the offense is easy; the work in progress is the people involved. I've got to start finding my rhythm in the offense. Not overly aggressive. Just aggressive enough to make the defense respect me. That comes with time. At the same time, it's a challenging task, coming in the fourth quarter, sitting. I'm [trying] to gain my rhythm. It's a challenge that I accept. I love challenge. I love pressure. So, it's kind of a fun pressure. And I'm just concerned with winning.— Brian T. Smithbsmith@sltrib.comTwitter: tribjazz