The Jazz tied the San Antonio Spurs for the lowest opponent scoring average in the NBA last season at 99.8 points a game, but they've fallen to 11th through 18 games this season (109.1).
The Jazz (8-10) have lost four of their past five games and allowed at least 113 points in all four losses."We have to be able to defend better to win," Utah head coach Quin Snyder told reporters following a 119-110 loss to the visiting Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. "If I could point to one thing, it's our communication. That's the thing that links you together and makes you be able to defend as a group."The Lakers (10-7) are fourth in the NBA in points per game (116.2) and appear to be growing more comfortable on both ends of the floor. They have won six of their past seven games.Eight of the 17 games played by Los Angeles have been decided by four points or fewer this season. The Lakers lost the first three games within that margin, but have won the past five.
The Jazz (8-10) have lost four of their past five games and allowed at least 113 points in all four losses."We have to be able to defend better to win," Utah head coach Quin Snyder told reporters following a 119-110 loss to the visiting Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. "If I could point to one thing, it's our communication. That's the thing that links you together and makes you be able to defend as a group."The Lakers (10-7) are fourth in the NBA in points per game (116.2) and appear to be growing more comfortable on both ends of the floor. They have won six of their past seven games.Eight of the 17 games played by Los Angeles have been decided by four points or fewer this season. The Lakers lost the first three games within that margin, but have won the past five.