The Jazz looked as good as they have all year last night beating the Spurs at the ESA. They have been solid all year, and it should come as no surprise that they won, but it was more what transpired in the win that was impressive than the win itself.
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Fresh off of a two game losing streak where they averaged 76.5 ppg, the Jazz welcome arguably the NBA’s best team, the San Antonio Spurs into the ESA. This is not a must-win game, but it is the biggest game yet to be played on the schedule. There is a lot riding on this game for how early it is in the season.

Foremost, the Jazz can not afford a three game losing streak if they want to maintain their identity as a contender in the West. Elite teams do not follow an eight game winning streak with a three game losing streak. This is an especially tough week for the Jazz, and losing three of four would not be a huge surprise, but if they are an elite team, they will dig out a couple of wins. With the strength of the Western Conference this year, every week will be a test and if they can’t get it done now, they might not all year.

Even with the incredible start, I am not yet sold that this team is elite…yet. I think the talent is there, but the cohesive experience is not. I still say the Jazz win 48 games this year, are the scariest team in this years playoffs and make a real championship run next year and a few years after that. It has been fun to see an early preview of what Jazz fans can expect and look forward to.

As for tonight, Ginobili is questionable for the game with a bruised back. That really makes this game winnable. I am curious to see where they put Kirilenko on defense. I would personally like to see him man up Duncan. I don’t think Sloan has ever tried it but I really think he could give Duncan trouble. Rasheed Wallace guards Duncan as well as anyone because of his length. AK has the same length, but jumps a lot faster and is much quicker on the perimeter. AK is not as strong and may have a difficult time down low, but I really think he could handle it.

I would also like to see Ronnie Brewer start the game guarding Tony Parker. Brewer is the best athlete on the team and has the quickness to stay with him. I really think he could make it a very long night for him.

If the Jazz were to take this defensive approach, that would leave Williams guarding Finley and Boozer guarding Bowen. Neither of these are unfavorable matchups considering the upside.

I think the Jazz will win tonight. There is too much to lose otherwise. The Spurs are a tough, championship team and will not go down easily, especially because they will be trying to avoid their second consecutive loss. In the end, I look for Memot to have a huge game, as he always does against the Spurs, as they have no one to guard him. I also think Williams will come out with something to prove.

Jazz 103, Spurs 98.

The Jazz started the season red hot to win 12 of their first 13 games. They did this by scoring over 108 ppg and leading the league in many other categories. Boozer and Williams were dominating and everyone from the rookies to the veterans were making solid contributions.
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With this years Jazz team, it is never easy to predict a loss, but last night was a perfect scenario for them to come up short. The Jazz have been hot as a pistol to start the season. They just completed an emotional win over the Lakers, with a nice boost from Kirilenko. They were playing the second night of a back to back on the road against a team playing without its best player, Baron Davis, out with injury. It was the perfect game for a Jazz letdown and they delivered just that, a letdown.

No biggie, if it makes anyone feel better, this was actually a good loss. Continue Reading This Entry »

I have heard talk of this all over the place, on chat boards, on ESPN.com, in the Salt Lake Trib. In some ways it makes a lot of sense, he is the highest paid player on the Jazz and is seemingly not fitting in with all of the pieces the Jazz have in place averaging only 7 points and 5 rebounds a game. Despite this, he still holds a ton of trade value and could bring in a nice player in return. Not to mention that Harpring and Brewer are more than able to fill in for his loss, to go along with the pieces they would get in return.

It is an interesting dilemma. There is no question that Kevin O. is taking calls and at least exploring the possibility. But is it the right move? Continue Reading This Entry »