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PDF versionSLIDESHOW: Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies
SALT LAKE CITY -- All things considered, Jerry Sloan would probably like to have a full complement of players at his disposal.
But with his team resembling a M*A*S*H unit these days, that's just not an option.
So the veteran coach is trying to look on the bright side.
Down to eight or nine players? Good.
"The easiest thing to do in coaching is play eight guys," he said. "It makes it pretty simple."
With five players out with injuries, the Jazz had a nine-man roster for Monday night's blowout victory over Memphis.
And even then, starting center Mehmet Okur sustained an upper-body injury in the first half and played only three minutes thereafter.
"Somebody's going to play and it gives guys the opportunity to be on the floor maybe a little bit longer," Sloan said. "Just come and play, that's all you can do."
GAME 17 Jazz 120, Grizzlies 93
* BEST PLAY: In the closing seconds of the first half, Boozer steps in front of Marcus Williams' cross-court pass and starts a fastbreak. Wesley Matthews ends it with a layup while getting fouled by Jamaal Tinsley. He converts the three-point opportunity and puts the Jazz up 60-48 at the break.
* BEST LINE: Boozer scores 24 points, adds 15 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block.
* KEY STAT: The Jazz hit 12 of their first 17 shots from the field, which allows them to break out to big lead in the first quarter.
* SIDELINE MOMENT: During a first-half timeout, a fan is knocked to the floor while participating in a "sumo wrestling" stunt/contest with Jazz mascot Bear. He leaves the court on his own power, but looks dazed.
* INJURY REPORT: Kirilenko (lower back) missed the game, as did Ronnie Price (left big toe) and C.J. Miles (left thumb). Kyle Korver (left knee) was not with the team on Monday. He was in Santa Barbara, Calif. at a training center there. Paul Millsap (left knee) was listed as a gametime decision, but following the team's morning shoot-around, indicated he would play. ... The Grizzlies went without guard Rudy Gay (family reasons) and Mike Conley (left shoulder). Darrell Arthur (pectoral muscle) has not yet played this season.
* ETC.: The Jazz have won their last 10 meetings with Memphis, all have been by double figures. ... Matthews notched a career high in points, with 17. His previous high was 16 at Philadelphia on Nov. 13. ... Boozer finished the first quarter with 14 points and five rebounds. By halftime he had 18 and nine; plus five assists and three steals. ... Matthews scored 10 points in the second quarter. He went 3-for-3 from the field as well as the free throw line. ...
* UP NEXT: The Jazz won't play again until Friday, when they'll play host to the Indiana Pacers.
