Andrei Kirilenko has struggled with his shooting in recent games, but coach Jerry Sloan is even more concerned with the rookie"s defense.

Over the past four games, Kirilenko averages 9.2 points but is shooting just 9-for-30 (30 percent).

And the dropoff is even more worrisome at the other end of the court.

For much of the season, Kirilenko has given his teammates a big boost, averaging 1.95 blocks and 1.32 steals through Utah"s first 22 games.

Over the past four games, he has a total of two blocks and no steals.

Sloan was particularly concerned last week when Kirilenko was pushed around by Portland forward Ruben Patterson.