It was widely considered as little more than a minor personality clash, a way of letting off a little steam, but it may have been a pivotal moment in the Utah Jazz's season.
     
It also offered evidence of why Jerry Sloan is an underrated coach.
     
The incident was the much-publicized practice encounter between Sloan and Karl Malone. You'll recall that Malone had gone public about "people" being too negative regarding the team's performance, specifically their penchant for committing turnovers by the bushel ? comments directed squarely at Sloan, though the coach was never named.
     
Sloan's response, made during the team's next practice, was to offer to discuss any complaints. That led to some jawing between Sloan and Malone.
     
It also led to a sudden upturn in the Jazz's intensity, which was evident in wins over Dallas, Memphis and Houston. Once again, they were on the same page and seemingly capable of knocking off any opponent on a given night ? except the Spurs, of course, but that's a subject for another column.