"They've got a veteran team that knows how to play and they know how to win, they've done it for years," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "He's a great player and that certainly hurts their team, I'm sure, but they're a resilient team.

"If anybody could survive it, in my opinion, it would be them, because they've been such a competitive team, a solid team, they know how to win, they've played in the Finals, they've won the championship. Those guys know how to do it."

The Jazz did suffer their most one-sided loss of the season Nov. 21 in San Antonio, even with the Spurs missing Ginobili and Tony Parker . Roger Mason and George Hill combined for 52 points, with Mason hitting 7 of 10 three-pointers.

Asked if the Spurs were less feared, Deron Williams said: "A little bit, but they're still a good team. They've still got guys that can pick up where they left off. They've got a great system."

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Presidential praise

Mehmet Okur got a call from his mother Monday morning, but the topic was anything but typical. President Barack Obama had just praised Okur and fellow Turkish NBA star Hedo Turkoglu in a speech to the country's parliament.

"I knew he was in Turkey and she told me about what he said," Okur said. "Honestly, it's a huge honor for me and for my family as well. It's a great honor."

Personnel Dept.

Sloan said he would likely start Carlos Boozer on Dirk Nowitzki , who had 39 points and hit 16 of 20 shots against the Jazz in Dallas' 115-108 victory on Jan. 17. Andrei Kirilenko and Paul Millsap also likely will take turns on Nowitzki.

"He's played all these years and still had success against whoever he's played against," Sloan said. "Good, bad, he's seen probably about everything. Make him work as hard as he can. Hopefully, our team plays well to try to give help when we can."

C.J. Miles is doubtful to play with a dislocated left index finger.

rsiler@sltrib.com