Nba Western Conference

Sporting News, The, Feb 19, 2001

WHO'S HOT

Jazz PF Karl Malone was said to be on the decline when he went through a shooting slump during the holidays, but the truth is the Mailman is as ageless as ever in his last 13 games before the All-Star break, Malone averaged 25 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists and made 54.8 percent of his field goals. The high point was a 12-for-12 outing February 3 that tied his franchise record.

WHO'S NOT

The best team in the Western Conference for much of the first half of the season, the Kings hit the skids with three straight losses before the All-Star break. PG Jason William averaged a paltry 3.7 points and 2.3 assists while making 5 of 19 shots during the cold spell. With reserve PG Bobby Jackson cutting into his playing time, Williams must play better to held on to his starting spot.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME

Coming off the bench suits Blazers SG Steve Smith. After being replaced by Bonzi Wells in the starting lineup January 1, Smith scored 14 points in his first two games but then reeled off 17 straight double-figure games. Smith scored 10 points or more in only 22 of 30 games before the switch. Getting a career starter to alter his role so drastically and successfully in midseason is a master stroke by Mike Dunleavy.