--The Jazz finally entered the dark ages with Wednesday's opener. After years of being the last NBA team to leave the lights on for player introductions, the Jazz installed a new $1 million lighting and sound system that allowed them to darken EnergySolutions Arena for introductions. The Jazz introduced their players to AC/DC's "Hells Bells" with fireworks and streamers. They also passed out glow-sticks to every fan. "From a fan's perspective, that whole build-up makes it like, 'I can't wait to see this game,'" Carlos Boozer said. The lights are just one of several arena upgrades in the works, including a new home locker room and premium seating.
--Deron Williams missed only the fifth game of his career due to injury. Williams was unable to recover quickly enough to play in Wednesday's opener after suffering a second-degree sprained left ankle in the Jazz's Oct. 18 preseason game against Chicago. Williams practiced Tuesday and even scrimmaged but aggravated his ankle on a spin move and decided to hold off on returning. Williams is likely to miss another two games with the injury. He played in all 82 games last season and had played in 108 consecutive games before Wednesday. QUOTE TO NOTE: "He was talking the whole time. I was like, 'Dude, shut up, I'm trying to focus.'" -- Kyle Korver, on what it was like sitting next to injured Deron Williams on the bench in the Jazz's opener.
