Quin Snyder Lights Up Players, Questions ‘Character’

Mar 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Utah Jazz snuck away with a victory versus the horrendous New York Knicks, who were on a back-to-back at altitude after getting smoked by the Denver Nuggets the evening before. And Quin Snyder was less than pleased about the effort from his players, who were sans Gordon Hayward, sitting out with a sore back.

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The Jazz were favored by infinity coming into the game — okay, that’s an exaggeration of sorts; the Jazz were favored by 12-15 points, depending on who was line-setting — to the Knicks, who have lost five in a row and have managed to tally only 12 Ws on the season in 63 tries.

So, it’s understandable that Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder was a wee bit irritated over a lack of effort after recent losses to other terrible big market behemoths like the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

"“It’s a case of getting out of character, (big pause) and guys doing too much stuff, uh, on their own. On both ends.”"

That was the kind of play that got Deron Williams traded to the then-New Jersey Nets and was the straw that broke Jerry Sloan‘s back, ultimately. Coaches don’t go in for that sort of rebellion by their players on the court, when they go rogue and just do their own thing. Especially guys like Quin Snyder and Jerry Sloan, who value structure and attention to detail so highly.

"“Our communication wasn’t good: the first three plays of the game were break downs. We made just enough plays…they made plays when they needed to. Derrick (Favors) was terrific, (longer pause) but we put ourselves in a position where we needed to make shots, plays, in order to win the game.”"

 Oh, you guys are doin’ so many ladders tomorrow

This was a somber postgame for a Utah Jazz team that’s gone 10-3 over their last 13 NBA games, dating back to February 7. But if you’ve seen Quin Snyder in a huddle, you wouldn’t wanna be the one to challenge him either.

"“We haven’t given up a 30 point quarter, unless it’s a lead, I think, in a long time.”"

Snyder has developed a defensive culture he’s proud of, one Jazz brass mandated as part of the vetting process in their hiring of a new head coach. Quin Snyder’s proclamations to Utah Jazz management and ownership about creating such a culture was a big part of the franchise being swayed his way. And he’s backed it up.

The Jazz gave up 30 points to the Knicks in the third quarter tonight.

"“We didn’t come out at halftime ready to go. We didn’t come ready to start the game at all. It didn’t matter who was starting, so… (big sigh) this is what we talked about as far as a team learning. Tonight, that’s what that was.”"

(looooooooong pause)

No one wanted to be the one to break the seal with a ticked off Quin Snyder. Awkward pauses abounded. After a win, mind you. That says something about where this Utah Jazz team is, and — more importantly — is going.

"“I think Gordon (Hayward) would be the first one to say, ‘We got enough guys in that locker room that can play well.’ They know that. We got a lot of guys that know what they’re doin’.”"

I’ve been to more cheerful funerals than this this postgame dressing down.

"“Collectively, we’ve got, what, five rookies? I dunno, I lose track. We’ve got young guys. Derrick Favors was an absolute anchor. But we had some guys that weren’t ready to play, and some guys that got out of character, and that can happen. It’s not like it was a shock that it happened, to me.”"

Who’s ready to run some ladders! C’mon, don’t all raise your hands at once now.

"“But it still makes me mad.” (Quin Snyder snorts, then sighs deeply)"

Oh, you guys are doin’ so many ladders tomorrow.

Listen to the full audio of Quin Snyder’s postgame from their win against the New York Knicks here.

Win. I said, “win.” Yeah, standards have been raised around the Utah Jazz franchise of late. You expect to win now, in Utah, once again.