Beating was hard to forget

Utah's last visit left impression

Utah's Jerry Sloan has an affinity for the Celtics' work ethic. (file/douglas c. pizac/Associated Press)

WALTHAM - The Celtics' worst loss in the last 106 regular-season games was an 18-point home defeat against the Utah Jazz March 14.

"They didn't win the game," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said yesterday, "they destroyed us. There's a difference."

The Celtics (22-2) have a 37-5 mark in regular-season games since that 110-92 loss to the Jazz, their opponents tonight.

"That's one game I remember they really beat us," captain Paul Pierce said. "Out of all of our losses, a lot of the losses we had a chance to win, but we just had no chance. That was one game they outplayed us, they outhustled us, they outexecuted us. We have our work cut out for us. They are a disciplined team, well coached."

Guard Deron Williams (32 points) led the way and Carlos Boozer, who is doubtful tonight with a left quad problem, added 17 points and 12 rebounds.

"Deron Williams shot 18 free throws in that game," Rivers said. "Whether he made them or not, that tells you he dominated us in that game. They are a good team, one of those teams if you don't play well they are very difficult to beat."

There have been few times the Celtics, who have a 14-game winning streak, were not in contention in games in the last two seasons. The Celtics rallied for a 94-82 victory over New Orleans Friday, took Saturday off, then practiced yesterday.

"I don't know if we played bad, or we were tired, or it was [the Hornets]," Rivers said. "Probably a combination of all those things. The good thing is, we're still winning games under those circumstances. I asked the team what our record was and half of them knew and half of them didn't know, and that was good. It doesn't matter what the record is, it's about us getting better. We could care less about the record, it has nothing to do with us and the mind-set we have to have, through Game 82."

Continuity is a part of Utah's formula, as Jerry Sloan is in his 21st season as coach.

"It's amazing, for a change, that management was patient enough to allow him to do his job," Rivers said. "And it shows in the results.

"What happens when you have one coach for that long, you know what to look for. It makes scouting so much better. They win every year and, yet, they improve through the draft every year, and they draft guys you say, 'Who was that?' And the following year you're like, 'Why didn't anyone else see him?' It's not whether they are a good player or not, it's the player fits the system and, because they have had a coach for 20 years they know exactly the type of player that fits their system.

"That's what I've said for years - not on my behalf, but on all coaches' behalf - you become a better team in that way, because now you know a system, you know the type of players to look for."

Likes what he sees
Sloan has been impressed with the Celtics this season.

"Everyone appreciates how they play," Sloan said. "They play hard. Defensively, that's what gives them a chance every day. Every coach likes to play that way, but it takes a while. With their three best players being older guys, they come in and teach that philosophy for the coach.

"Coaches can preach all they want, but sometimes it doesn't come across until you get the type of players that are going to do that."

Mark the calendar
The Los Angeles Lakers are already considering their Dec. 25 home game against the Celtics, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Lakers visit Miami Friday, the start of a four-game road trip that concludes in New Orleans Dec. 23.

"We get back at 2 o'clock or 3 o'clock in the morning and to practice on the 24th is almost unfair after four games in five days," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "Preparing for the game is even difficult for us. Obviously, we have something to draw from last June, but that's six months out."

Marc J. Spears of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.