Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets Game 3 and Game 4 reviews/recaps

Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz Game 3 – Utah Jazz wins / 2-1

Final Game Scores -  105 – 93

Okay, the image is still not enough how all Utah Jazzer Fans can describe our smirks (or smiles). Monumental game when Deron Williams still have the  batteries to lead his team mates in winning against the Denver Nuggets at Energy Solutions Arena.

Paul Millsap with career high of 22 pts and 19 boards is just what our Utah Jazz needs. The bench guys  such as CJ Miles, Wesley Mathews and of course Paull Millsap should really step up and I do believe & have faith in them that they can do what. Andrei Kirilenko still out of the question when he’ll be able to play again and Carlos Boozer seems to be not in his top shape after the his rib injury.

Millsap was great in the first half owning 18 points already with 100% accuracy (9/9 shooting). I guess the Nuggets didn’t expect Paul to be a threat why he subbed for Memo.

Denver Nugget’s ball movement isn’t good during at the time thus D-will took advantage, he took a lot of steals with weak passes and finish it off immediately. In spite of the double defense given to D-Will he had his usual averages, he scored 24 points and 10 assists.

Me and my buddy, lockenload got very wild and emptied more beer than was expected. But we didn’t end up like this guy:

Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz Game 4 – Utah Jazz wins 3-1

Final Game Scores – 117 – 106

Eliminate Denver in Game 5, that’s what all Jazzer fans wanted after D-Will, Fesenko, CJ Miles and Paul Millsap carry on a good game.

I bet Utah Jazz realized now that there’s no stopping now, it’s now or never or all of their efforts will be in vain. So just keep pushing guys and hopefully we’ll grab the championship this year.

The Denver Nuggets started strong, but there is still one problem you must not do when visiting the Jazz in their home court… Ball Movement.

Coach Jerry Sloan do made some risky decisions before but it all comes together and it was very effective in this NBA 2010 Playoffs. Jerry was right in having his reserves step and even they lost the game during the NBA Regular Season. CJ, Paul, Kyrylo and the rest of the reserved did a very, very good job in stepping up in the playoffs.

I can’t wait for Game 5.

If Deron Williams’ twitter is still activate, he have been flooded with “wow” messages. Keep it up Will!

Enter Playoffs

The match between Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz overwhelmed the whole basketball fan community as Kevin Durant and Deron Williams fought hard to improve their team standings as well as proving the whole world that:

… the Thunder’s can beat our Jazz either on their home or on the road…

Or

… the Jazz can beat the Thunder…

Utah Jazz failed to defeat Oklahoma Thunder four times in a row, the last attempt was in Oklahoma’s home-court. See post: Oklahoma City Thunder achieves five winning streaks, back to back lost for the Utah Jazz. The young Oklahoma Thunder wielding one of NBA’s young and top scorer Kevin Durant

Utah Jazz defeats Oklahoma City Thunder at home – Hard fought Overtime

Finally, Utah Jazz ended Oklahoma’s winning streak on them at last. It should have been “Oklahoma City Thunder’s Five Winning Streak against Utah Jazz”.

The game ended 140-139 in favor of the Jazz upon reaching overtime period. Even when the game started a lot of contacts occurred, 78 fouls accumulated and this is a combined foul count for both teams.

It was physical

It was brutal

Almost a lot of fouls wasn’t called… thus the preview of the upcoming playoff games.

Both teams show no mercy in defense and offense, 1^st quarter won by the Utah Jazz by 32-29.

Followed by Oklahoma hammering shots from the arc making Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2^nd quarter by making 36 points against 31 points of the Utah Jazz.

Utah Jazz says no-no as this is our home-court, making 34 points in the 3^rd quarter against 29 points of the Thunder. Deron Williams, Mehmet Okur, Carlos Boozer and the rest of the team don’t want to fail the fans. CJ Miles and Wesley Matthews were astounding too, CJ guarding Kevin Durant is good but could have been better to pressure Kev’s scoring prowess.

But Kevin Durant, you have my respects as you push yourself to put Oklahoma City Thunder to play more minutes in overtime against Utah Jazz.

Overtime – The Controversial No-Call Foul

Now here’s where all the controversy started, after Deron Williams hit a jumper making the score 140-139 there is still 1.1 seconds left. Oklahoma City Thunder called the timeout so that the ball will be inbound inside their half court. The pass is made to Kevin Durant, CJ Miles barely made it in guarding Kevin. He jumped and then CJ jumped… Kevin’s 3-point jumper elevates vertically, CJ tries to block the shot and Kevin Durant threw very short loosing the game for the Oklahoma Thunder.

I tried to watch the play in different videos and angles; at first I thought it was a foul too. I felt the Thunder’s disappointment as I don’t want this to happen too to our Jazz especially the playoffs are coming.

First video I watch is at nba.com, even the sports analyst agreed it was a foul:

Then I try to dig more videos elsewhere, here’s from fsthunder:

Here’s a video from ballhype, titled “Jazz Cheat Thunder…You be the Judge (video):

It’s hard to spot, the angles looked like CJ Miles did some make some body contact, as a video buff myself I get a hold all of the videos then slow-mo`ed each one. Then I finally see what the ref saw, here’s the screenshot:

CJ Miles did have the ball in hand, no body contact and Kevin Durant faked like he got some contacts.

CJ Miles had his left hand on to his belly, while the right hand managed to touch the ball. Kevin Durant made it looked he’d been touched by flopping.

I did managed to see this key points by one of the commenter’s of the video.

1. he got ball before he hit the hand.
2. even if he didn’t get ball, hand on hand should never be called a foul when a guy is attempting to block a jump shot.
3. there was no body contact.
4. Kevin Durant flopped like a fish trying to make the refs decide the game. This was the best part of the call, the ref was like “look dude, don’t look at me to help you win this game do it yourself”.
   phenomenal call.

I’m a man, fan of the Jazz. But I don’t like biased judgments too so I research thoroughly and figure out on my own. I want the Jazz win clean, and throughout my time as a fan I know one thing for sure that each team members of the Utah Jazz fights cleanly.

Here’s a little word for all other Jazz fans, keep “fan etiquette” in mind. As Caled Hicks mentioned his Do’s and Don’t, be a good sport guys. Hope to have this too from the Oklahoma City Thunder fans, especially Kevin Durant fans (winks).

The playoffs are coming, and not only Utah Jazz will have to problem the Thunders’, there’s also LA Lakers where the Jazz had their lost with them too as well. April 2 Utah Jazz visits LA Lakers

I agree with Jeff Winget’s “The Myth of Lengh” article in Jazzbots.com, Lakers petrifies the Jazz and the Jazz needs to snap out of it. They are good, both in offense and defense even we are missing Andrei Kirilenko. Stop being a Superman guys and don’t be afraid of the Kryptonite.

Finally, if you missed the after game interview check out Salt Lake Tribute’s video:

I agree with JR Stewart too that NBA should change for Better Rules Interpretation, let the NBA Players keep it real inside the court. Again for the Jazz fans as well as the Oklahoma Thunder fans, let’s drop the no-call issue. The game is superb, a great preview of the upcoming playoffs.

Tired Jazz | Utah Jazz vs Houston Rockets (113-96)

The win against Houston Rockets is essential but the Utah Jazz were too tired to match against the Rockets, Deron Williams with only 12 points, CJ Miles did good with his 12, Carlos Boozer did good with his 18, Mehmet Okur didn’t deliver money with his 9 points, Wesley Matthews was just awful dead tired I guess (who wouldn’t after guarding Kevin Durant) he got no point during that match in his 27 minutes in the game. Paul Millsap with 13 points and Kyle Korver with only 10 points. This is not the usual Utah Jazz team member scores, no one hits 20 above score.

Three players of Houston Rockets, the trio made 20s namely Luis Scola with 24 points, Kevin Martin with 28 points and Aaron Brooks with 28 points also.

The game ends 113-96 in favor of the Houston Rockets, falling the Utah Jazz to the number two seed against 51-27 team standing of the Denver Nuggets. Utah Jazz’s team stand falls short with 1 lost 51-28.

D-Will behind pass to Mehmet Okur 3-point shot | Utah Jazz vs Oklahoma Thunder

New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz Game Recap and Final Scores

Utah Jazz beats New York Knicks in a hard fought battle in Energy Solutions Arena, the Knicks tied the game at 2 minutes left in the third quarter. The game became pass-run-shoot, a lot of fast breaks, and a contest of 3-point shooting. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer scored double-double figures. Utah Jazz wins 103-98 and moves as the first place in the Northwest Division.

Washington Wizards 15th straight loss | Utah Jazz vs Washington Wizards Game Results

Utah Jazz last encounter with Washington Wizards was last March 16, 2010, Utah Jazz beat Washington Wizards 112-89, Carlos Boozer scored 23 points, grabs 9 rebounds and performed 2 assist during that game along with Deron Williams with 17 points and 11 assists.

Tonight, Mehmeh Okur grabs the glory in defeating Washington Wizards with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Memo have been playing greatly since Jazz’s defeated Boston Celtics. Deron Williams scored 20 points and proving his League Leadership in Assists making 12 assists for the Jazz. Washington Wizards is going out of the question to play in the playoffs with only 21 wins and 51 loss, they haven’t won a single game since February 28.

This time Coach Jerry Sloan didn’t let Andrei Kirilenko play as he still suffers from left calf injury. Couldn’t agree more as AK wasn’t able to perform well yesterday as Utah Jazz lost their winning streak when they visited Indiana Pacers.

Washington Wizards’s team kept loosing because of player injuries, Al thornton with right hip injury and Randy Roye with wrist injury.

UTA	23	27	30	23	103
WAS	21	22	22	22	87

Team Standings:

Utah Jazz steps up with 48 wins and 26 losses after defeating Washington Wizards.

Washington Wizards defeated by Utah Jazz in their home court in Verizon Center, Washington DC loosing chance to play in the playoffs with 21 wins and 51 losses.

Next Game: New York Knicks vs. Utah Jazz – March 29, 2010 7:00PM in our home court EnergySolutions, Arena, Salt Lake City Utah

Utah Jazz wins 1st road trip | Toronto Raptors lost for the 10th time

Good work for the Utah Jazz, this will serve as an opener to their 3-day road trip. Utah Jazz wins 113-87 beating Toronto Raptors dominantly. Deron Williams played very well tonight as he scored 18 points, 16 assists and eight wow-rebounds.

Here’s a quick peak for the Jazz dominance in every quarter:

UTA	33	28	26	26	113
TOR	17	26	24	20	87

Utah Jazz (47 – 25) now equaled to Denver Nuggets with (47 – 25), Utah Jazz will soon face Indiana Pacers for the 2^nd game (March 26, 2007) and Washington Wizards for the 3^rd game (March 27, 2010) to end their 3-day road trip.

Utah Wins | New Orleans Hornets vs Utah Jazz match

Utah Jazz manage to win against New Orleans even with having only two starters in the game since Andrei Kirilenko still can’t play because of his injury (left calf) now Mehmet Okur joins AK to rest with “stomach ailment”. But one thing you will love about Jazz is that the subs are making up for it and giving you a great game to watch.

I’ll first mention CJ Miles, he’s been great even when he helped to hold off Phoenix Suns soaring leads the other day. Tonight he socred 19 points, got 2 steals, and had 4 assists.

Carlos Boozer didn’t work out much, I guess Coach Jerry Sloan wanted him not to exert himself too much. He pushed hard last time also in during the match against Phoenix Suns, he contributed only 10 points, 1 assists, 2 rebounds and 1 steal.

Kyrylo Fesenko did a pretty good job tonight to sub AK, he’s been good in the paint and he boards 8 rebounds and he contributed 11 points.

Wesley Matthews, well he’s so-so tonight with 12 points, 1 steal, 2 assists and 2 rebounds. Actually, I’m expecting him to do more tonight. I didn’t see his great game with the Suns‘ game.

Paul Millsap, like Matthews he didn’t do well against the Phoenix Suns. I was expecting him too against the Suns but make it up tonight’s game against New Orleans Hornets with amazing 22 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assists and 3 steals.

EnergySolutions Arena was filled with 18,766 crowd which is pretty much the same in US Airways Arena (Phoenix Suns Home Court).

You gotta love Deron Williams tonight, even though he’s dealing with his shoulder, ankle and wrist injuries he manage to play and still scored 17 points, and 11 great assist. I just love this guy, not only he’s a good scorer but also a good team player as well. That’s why Deron Williams is the top three League Leader for Assists.

The Hornets lowered their team stand after the match (33-38) while Utah Jazz increased (45-25).

Utah Jazz shot percentage was excellent at 73.7% and the scored more in the paint. But like Jazz against the Suns, the Hornets are missing star guard Chris Paul and might not able to make it to playoffs. Chris Paul missed 25 games already because if left knee injury.

I hope Utah Jazz wins in the upcoming games, next match will be Boston Celtics vs. Utah Jazz on March 22, 2010.

Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns – Friday – March 19, 2010

“Banged up”

This is what the Phoenix Suns’ thoughts on our Utah Jazz, no doubt that the Phoenix Suns are pushing really hard to improve their Western Conference Team Standings.

Phoenix Suns (42-26) Top 2 seed in the Western Conference | Pacific Division recently faced the dying Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA 2010 Regular Season; it was very ironic for the Timberwolves to face Utah Jazz with (44-24) team standing which is also Top 2 seed in the Western Conference | Northwest Division after they were beaten by the Suns.

The odds are against our Jazz, I can’t deny this. First, home court advantage as the Phoenix Suns will be hosting the game. Second, a lot of Jazz Players are still injured. Andrei Kirilenko still not recovering 100% from his injury, and I read from news that I still can’t believe that Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews will not be able to play later.

It was reported that Deron Williams suffering from a bruised shoulder and sprained ankle because he pushed himself too much to defeat Minnesota Timberwolves.

Phoenix Suns averaging above 100 points per game and holding a stiff foundation in their home town 117.8. The game tonight will be brutal and very physical, I know this well because Utah Jazz beat Phoenix Suns last March 4, 116-108. This game is their chance for revenge.

Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Game Result March 17, 2010

Well, guess what? My prediction was correct as Utah Jazz wins against Minnesota Timberwolves and the Final Score 122-100 in favor of the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz dominate almost every quarter, 1^st quarter the scores were tied. From 2^nd quarter to the last quarter Jazz dominates. 26-17, 35-30,35-27 respectively.

Kyle Korver was wonderful, contributed well with 20 points with 3 out of 4 3-point shots. He was cool coming off the bench. AK-47 was back as I hoped for! Finally saw Andrei Kirilenko played, although he played for 16 minutes but it’s worth it. Like I said, the Timberwolves match is a good practice for him. Still with injury, AK contributed 9 points. Wow!

I know Jerry Sloan will put the bench players to game, like I said this match will be easily won. I’m now saying that they should take them lightly, like what Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams said “From now on we won’t take any lightly”.

Paul Millsap with 21 points and 11-wow-rebounds,

Deron Williams still contributing those friendly assists, he got 11 that’s why Deron Williams is in the top 3 of the League Leaders for Asissts.

Memo with his usual scores, he got 14 tonight and Wesley Matthews with 10 points. CJ Miles didn’t contribute match today, he got 8 points.

With 19,851 fans watching the Utah Jazz inside EnergySolutions Arena, I know this will be a tough situation for Minnesota Timberwolves.

Final Team Scores:

UTA (122)

MIN (100)

Team Standings:

MIN (14-54)

UTA (43-24)

The Jazz will be facing Phoenix Suns in US Airways Center, Phoenix Arizona on Friday, March 19, 2010 which the Minnesota Timberwolves falls off too last Tuesday., March 16, 2010.

The Fight for seed – Utah Jazz vs Oklahoma Thunder March 14, 2010

Tonight, at Ford Center “home court of Oklahoma City Thunder” Utah Jazz will be in a tough situation. It’s like matching up against your doppelganger.

Oklahoma Thunder’s team standing : 40 – 24

Utah Jazz’s team standing : 42 – 23

The Jazz might have been doing good recently away from home, but with the recent loss from the Milwaukee Bucks showing that the Jazz’s lack of tight defense.  Tonight, both teams will be battling for the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

Now it’s a Battle for five for the Thunders as the Jazz already loss their chance. I hope our guys will be okay tonight, last match against the Bucks, Andrei Kirilenko left the game with strained left calf and Deron Williams unable to contribute well against the Bucks because of left shoulder injury.

The problem is that the Jazz twice against the Jazz this season, just this recent meeting Dec. 31, same place Ford Center the Jazz lost 87-86 in favor of Oklahoma Thunder.

I can’t wait for tonights game…

Players to start for the Oklahoma Thunder are:

Jeff Green(F), Kevin Durant(F), Nenad Krstic (C), Thabo Sefolosha (G), Russel Westbrook (G)

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