Millsap mystified by Jazz's slow start

3-point shots about the Jazz’s latest double-digit loss the Phoenix Suns:

- The Jazz are not who we thought they were. Not yet, at least. They are as mystified by the sluggish start after a perfect 8-0 preseason as onlookers are.

Asked about losing the first two in blowout fashion, Paul Millsap seemed baffled about the slow start and lack of on-court team chemistry: “I don’t know. Can you explain it? I can’t. I mean it blows my mind.”

- The Jazz have lost six games in a row, dating back to last postseason’s four-game sweep in the second round against the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Utah has also lost its last two regular-season home games by double digits to Phoenix. The Suns, of course, handed the Jazz a really tough blow in that 100-86 April finale, too.

Biggest difference between that one and this 110-94 shellacking?

Carlos Boozer can’t be blamed for sitting this one out.

Or maybe Boozer’s absence was again the common factor.

At least Al Jefferson (20 points) had a more active role in the offense in this one than his six-point debut. Millsap (19 points, 13 rebounds) had another strong outing, too.

- Other head-scratching stats:

Utah was outassisted for a second game in a row (20-19);

Utah’s bench had a meager 16 points by five players (Jazz reserves were outscored by Warrick alone);

Gordon Hayward had three blocked shots but fellow rookie Jeremy Evans, whose athletic style seems a fit to play against the high-flying Suns, got his first DNP-CD;

Bell had five turnovers against his old team;

And I still find it crazy that the Jazz have still not led for a second this season.