After starting an all-important four-game trip with a loss to Chicago, the Jazz will play what amounts to a must-win game Wednesday at Milwaukee. The last thing they want to do is give away another game on the road in a season where that has been the dominant theme.
The Jazz dropped to 14-20 on the road this season and couldn't regroup against the Bulls after falling behind by 15 points in the second quarter. Time is fast running for the Jazz to prove they can win on the road consistently before the playoffs. "We know we're a good team, we just haven't showed it as well this year on the road," Carlos Boozer said. "What do we have? Seven road games left? We've got to figure it out so when the playoffs get here, we're more confident."
The Jazz beat the Bucks 98-87 on Jan. 14 in Salt Lake City, a game in which Deron Williams finished with 33 points and 10 assists while getting to the foul line 20 times. The Bucks could have their hands full if Royal Ivey has to guard Williams.
Mo Williams has been out with an abdominal strain and Ivey has been starting in his place. The Jazz also can take some comfort in having beaten Milwaukee the last six times the teams have played.
"It makes (Wednesday) even more important," Boozer said after the Bulls' loss. "We've got to get to Milwaukee, get some rest, come out with a lot more energy. Every team plays good at home, so we have to match their intensity."
BULLS 108, JAZZ 96: As Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams have gone this season, so have the Jazz this season. The Jazz's two stars struggled to get anything going Tuesday and their team was predictably out of sync as a result.
Boozer finished with 10 points and nine rebounds -- held 11.5 points below his season scoring average -- and went 5-of-14 from the field and 0-for-4 from the foul line. Williams had 20 points and 10 assists but also committed six of the Jazz's 17 turnovers.
The Bulls collapsed two and three defenders whenever Williams drove or Boozer got the ball inside. The Jazz shot just 42.7 percent and watched as the Bulls scored 25 points off their turnovers. Drew Gooden led Chicago with 24 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
