The Jazz seemingly arrived at a crossroads only three games into the season when they were flattened 113-96 at home by the Rockets on Monday, bringing back all the bad memories from their 2-7 finish to last season. "It's like we picked up right where we left off," guard Deron Williams said. "We haven't played a good game of basketball yet. It doesn't look too good right now from the inside. I'm sure it doesn't look good from the outside. "Anytime it's the third game of the season, you're getting booed in your home arena, you're not going to feel good."
For all their talk of defensive accountability, the Jazz are giving up 108.3 points on average through three games. Carlos Boozer continues to struggle, going 1-for-6 with four turnovers Monday, leaving him 13-of-42 on the season.
The Jazz must find a way to recover quickly, otherwise they are in danger of a disappointing November. They will play at Dallas in the second game of a back-to-back set Tuesday, having gone 3-18 in such games last season.
The Jazz gave up more than 109 points on average in those 21 games. They also have gone just 2-13 all-time at American Airlines Center against the Mavericks.
If they lose Tuesday, the Jazz will be facing a 1-4 start with a Thursday game against San Antonio. They will play host to Sacramento after that but follow with a four-game Eastern Conference trip that includes stops in Boston and Cleveland.
ROCKETS 113, JAZZ 96: Even without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, the Rockets rolled against the Jazz, with eight players scoring in double figures and the team hitting 10 of 19 3-pointers.
The Jazz's fortunes turned after Deron Williams picked up his fourth foul in the fourth quarter and went to the bench. By the time Williams returned, the Jazz was down 12. Rookie second-round draft pick Chase Budinger had 17 points for Houston while Aaron Brooks led with 19.
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