Being a Jazz fan sometimes feels like the very worst decision I could have ever made. I have followed them very closely for about 20 years and for the most part, I have loved it. Lately I have questioned whether or not it is worth it. There is just so much disappointment. But, the Jazz are a part of me and I live and die with the team.
I died last night. Not to say that a big part of me didn’t expect them to lose when it was close in the forth quarter considering the way things have played out over the last several weeks. I somehow knew that they would do just enough lose…and they did.
At least I have a new person to cheer against in Vince Carter. I can add him to the list of Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, Jerry Stackhouse, Eddie Johnson, Ron Harper, Ronny Seikaly, Nate McMillan and a host of others that have insulted the Jazz in one way or another. Was the wave to the Jazz bench really necessary? I almost expected to see Sloan run from his sick bed to give him a nice piece of his mind for that move, but Coach we will just have to wait until next year. One thing I feel is certain, if this Jazz team ever loses to another Vince Carter led team again, then they have no pride.
This is a good Jazz team. There are glaring holes, but when they put it all together as they do sometimes, they are as fun to watch as any Jazz team I can remember, with the exception of the finals years teams. They are skilled, play fast paced and spread the shots around.
However, they are what they are, and what they are is a team that starts two point guards and three power forwards. On the nights that it works, it is devastating, otherwise it is just mediocre. They just all have to play well every night for it to work. I feel a hot streak coming, but for the time being, we are going to have to deal with mediocrity.
January 30th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
In the last three games, Okur is 15-51 from the field, with 3-20 threes. Hopefully, this game was the end of his slump.
January 30th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
A piece of me died last night too. I was just discussing this with my friend last nigth after the loss. I’ve cheered the Jazz on every game since i knew they exiosted, and it just killed me last night. Like what is the point, they seem to latley be playing only to the level of their opponent, which usually leads to a close game, then they lose with some rediculous last second shot. Marbury, Jones, Arenas, and now Carter, each game just breaks my spirit a little more. I’m trying to hang in there, but man…. I’ll always remain a Jazz fan, but it really hurts to get beat like that!
January 30th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
I hate to sound like Emilio Estevez in “The Mighty Ducks” here, but six inches in either direction and Carter’s shot caroms off the rim and the Jazz come away with a victory over one of the biggest threats in the Eastern Conference. As someone who has seen up close the trials of the Red Sox, Patriots and Eagles in the past, let me tell you this Jazz season is hardly the one in which you should give up any hope.
This has been a tremendous season compared with where the Jazz were at this point the past two years. None of their core is older than 27. If Boozer continues to be the second coming of Karl Malone as he’s shaping up to be, he’s got another 13 years ahead of him in a Utah uniform. One day, Deron Williams might become a guy who hits all those clutch shots that now rim out. One day, Ronnie Brewer might play.
Don’t pay Carter’s “wave” much mind. If you remember back to the last time you played a competitive athletic activity, you probably got caught up in the emotion, too. He’s an athlete. His adrenaline was running high. If we’re going to take every perceived slight as disrespect, then it’s gonna be a long, blame-filled existence. Shrug it off. What purpose does the alternative serve anyway?
January 30th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
In other news, Eddie Jones was released by the Grizzlies today. I know this is wishful thinking because I’m a Temple alum and Philly guy, but it would be nice to see him in a Utah uni.
January 30th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
tobi - I couldn’t agree with you more. I think that Eddie Jones would be a great addition to what the Jazz are trying to do. Unfortunately, Chris Sheridan of ESPN reports that Jones is set to sign with the Heat, http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2748259&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines
January 30th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
I heard the same report from a separate source. Jones was a perfect fit for that team last year and I’m actually glad to see him go back, if he can’t go to Utah.
January 31st, 2007 at 12:23 pm
As much as the Vince shot was hard to take what was worse is that the Jazz had every opportunity to close out that game and didn’t. D Will misses a jump shot that would have iced it and then goes one for two from the line. Remember if he makes both those free throws Vince isn’t waving goodbye he is waving his team back on the court for overtime.
January 31st, 2007 at 6:25 pm
ha HA thanks for the support fellas,i would never give up on the Jazz, it just hurts so bad sometimes, but you are right about this season already being a great one!