--Deron Williams was the center of attention as usual in Chicago, where the former Illinois star was greeted by a crowd of television crews at the Jazz's morning shoot-around.
As part of the conversation about all things Illini, however, Williams offered a strong endorsement of the three years he has spent playing for Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. "I got blessed into a great situation and a great coach," Williams said. "I had to earn his trust my first year and go through some hard times, but the payoff is a lot better. I'm having fun and I get a chance to win. Not a lot of guys that get drafted in the top five get a chance to win this early in their career."
--Andrei Kirilenko returned after missing three games with a sprained right hip, which he suffered March 3 courtesy of a flagrant foul by Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki. Kirilenko played 29 minutes, scored 10 points and reported no problems beyond his conditioning.
--The Jazz's next road loss with be their 21st of the season, matching last season's total. "I would think we'd be able to do a little better job," Sloan said, taking responsibility for the Jazz's struggles on the road. They are 28-3 at home, 14-20 on the road.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "They beat us with points in the paint (48-34). They drove down the middle. We got out of the way and let them shoot lay-ups. They were the aggressors from the beginning and we never did get to that point. We just tried to outscore them." -- Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, on his team's 12-point loss to Chicago.
