Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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What would happen if Nolan Ryan lost his fastball?
Or if linebackers stopped falling for Barry Sanders jukes?
What if Hakeem Olajuwon's "Dream Shake" was called a travel?
What would happen if you lost your "go to" move? Your moneymaker?
Down 98-99 at Phoenix, the Jazz called a timeout. Newly anointed head man Tyrone Corbin draws up a play for his all-star guard.
Deron Williams gets the "High C" from Paul Millsap. Millsap slips to the bucket. Deron gives Grant Hill his killer cross-over.
"I won a lot of games on that same shot, right to left cross-over. A good rhythm shot." said Deron Williams.
Deron had the Grand Canyon between he and Hill. The fundamentals were perfect, the balance, the elevation, the release, the follow-through. Everything was set up beautifully, until the ball refused to go in the hoop.
The problem, "I was 2 for 11." said Williams of his 18% field-goal percentage vs. the Suns.
"A lot of guys played well for us." recognized the two-time All-Star.
Al Jefferson had a season-high 32 points and 10 rebounds. C.J. Miles had 19 points and Earl Watson had 11 in the first half. Deron even got production from the rookies, 9 points and 8 rebounds from Gordon Hayward and Jeremy Evans chipped in 6 points on 3 for 3 shooting.
Williams has been struggling ever since he returned from a wrist injury six games ago. He is shooting just 40 percent from the field (39-97) and 21 percent from downtown (6-29).
"I'm sick of playing like crap, man. I need to pull my weight and help this team win." said Williams in his post game interview on FSN Utah.
Despite a sprained shooting wrist, Williams refuses to allow that to be the reason for his struggles. "The wrist doesn't hurt. You know it hurts, but it doesn't hurt. There's no excuse."
So if the problem isn't physical, it must be mental.
Williams agrees, "I just don't have the confidence right now in my shot. It's affecting the rest of my game. I just got to go out there and shoot and play with confidence. Easier said than done."
Confidence comes and confidence goes.
Superstars, in times of struggle, go back to what got them there.
Ryan threw his 101 mph fastball, Barry Sanders broke ankles of 240 pound fire-breathing dragons and Hakeem shot wide-open 12 foot baseline fadeaways. Deron has the cross-over pull up jumper.
Confidence is standing over a three foot putt. When you're relaxed, it's a cool easy stroke into the cup. When your confidence is lacking... we've all been there... just ask Johnny Miller about the yips.
Deron has made the killer cross over thousands of times. It's his moneymaker. He'll make it a thousand more, once his confidence returns.
Until his confidence comes back, the Jazz are going to continue to struggle. The losses will continue to pile up and no amount of coaching changes will help this team.
When Deron starts hitting, the Jazz will turnaround. It's as simple as that. No pressure.
But like Deron said, "Easier said than done."
