Ty Corbin: We can't let Steve Nash search

It's certainly easier said than done, but Utah's ability to play with, and beat, the Phoenix Suns hinges on its ability to control Steve Nash, who is still amongst the elite point guards in the league, despite his rapidly advancing age.

This is an important game for the Jazz, who are fighting for that remaining playoff spot with Phoenix, and Minnesota, and Houston and Portland. At this point of the season? Every game matters, and every defeat or win is magnified.

"It's important at this time of the year," Utah head coach Ty Corbin said. "Right now, if you win four in a row all of a sudden you can find yourself in that six to seven range as far as playoff seeding is concerned. If you lose four in a row, all of a sudden you are going the other way. So every game is important."

As is defending Nash. He may be the best point guard in the league when it comes to keeping his dribble alive on pick and rolls, dribbling under the basket, re-setting and finding a wide open guy alone for an easy shot. The Suns started the season struggling mightily, but have picked it up as of late and are really making a push for the postseason.

"We're going to have to be ready to play," Corbin said.

Tony Jones