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The Jazz's Andrei Kirilenko has become a U.S. citizen, despite missing a question on the required test about a root cause of the American Revolution.

Part of the process of gaining citizenship involves passing what Kirilenko described as tough exam.

"You have to know the [U.S.] history, which I never had a problem with because, back in school, we studied a lot of it then," Kirilenko said. "I knew a lot what happened."

What was the most difficult question on the citizenship test?

Smiling, Kirilenko said, "The toughest one I didn't answer was why the colonists didn't like Great Britain."

"It's because they are taxating without presentation. I said, 'Because they wanted freedom.' It was wrong. But it's kind of the truth."

Kirilenko, who turns 30 on Feb. 18, was born in Izhevsk, Russia.

The Jazz selected him with the 24th pick of the 1999 draft, although he did not come to the United States to start his NBA career until the 2001-02 season.

Before Tuesday morning's practice, Kirilenko said, "I had a green card for a long time and I think you have to wait for like five or six years to change it — for the new status. …

"It was a question of time. I live here now for about 10 years. Both of my sons are Americans. So it was just a question of changing the status."

Too much rest?

The Jazz, who host the Knicks on Wednesday night, have not played since rallying for a 103-99 overtime win at Houston on Saturday night.

Well-rested? Maybe.

But twice in the last month, Utah has not played well following a three-day break.

On Dec. 17, the Jazz were blown out at New Orleans, 100-71. On. Dec. 27, they lost to Portland at EnergySolutions Arena, 96-91.

Asked if he's thought about the Jazz's difficulty after playing following an extended break, coach Jerry Sloan said, "I've got a lot of thoughts, but I'm not sure if any of them are true. If I knew it for sure, it would be a lot easier to deal with. It just seems to be the way things are."

Deron Williams admitted getting ready to play after a relatively long break has been a problem.

"Hopefully we can avoid that this time," he said, "because we have a tough New York team coming in here. Hopefully, we can avoid any hiccups."

Three's company

Trivia question: Who was the third point guard taken in the 2005 draft, after Williams and Chris Paul?

Answer: Raymond Felton.

Charlotte took Felton with the No. 5 pick but, in his first five NBA seasons, he played in the shadow of Williams and Paul and dwelled in relative obscurity with the Hornets.

No longer.

Felton left Charlotte via free agency last summer, when he signed with the Knicks.

So far this season, he averages a career-high 18.2 points and 8.7 assists in 38.8 minutes per game.

Along with fellow free agent Amare Stoudemire, Felton is one reason the Knicks are vastly improved.

"He's a great player," said Williams. "I think he was held back a lot in Charlotte. But coach [Mike] D'Antoni has that system that benefits him a lot more and he's showing it. He's showing what he can do."luhm@sltrib.com