Since an injury forced Andrei Kirilenko into the starting lineup on Jan. 11, the Jazz are 5-1.

Utah coach Jerry Sloan had been playing Kirilenko with the second unit in hopes of providing a punch off the bench.

"I don't think it's a mental thing or other things. I think it's more the defense of the team. Team-wise, we're playing better," Kirilenko said.

"We struggled a little bit before the new year. But after we concentrate on our defensive stuff a little bit more, we started playing better. That's been one of the keys for success. Not me personally, but the team."

In Utah's five most recent wins, opponents average only 92.2 points.

"A.K.'s length bothers people defensively," said Deron Williams. "He gives us an added shot-blocker out there to start the game, which helps."

"No question [his size] makes a big difference. He's able to block shots and play defense. I probably should have had him [starting] all along, if I'd been smart enough," Sloan said.