I'm really impressed with the way my Jazz have come out in their last 2 games. Granted, they haven't exactly faced stellar competition in Washington and Minnesota(38-37 and 19-55) but the results have still been amazing! They blew out the Timberwolves by 47 points while breaking the franchise record for 3-pointers(previously 14) and then played Minnesota increasingly tough each quarter until the end of the 3rd and 4th quarters was just garbage time.
Why were these games so crucial? A couple reasons:
1. It's the West. Every game counts, as it's possible to be in 1st place and then lose a couple and be out of the playoff picture. The closest race ever, and it really underlines how weak the East is. Boston is the cream of a very withered crop followed by Detroit. The only other team with a chance are the Cavaliers-LeBron is just a beast.
2. The remaining schedule is brutal. With 2 games against San Antonio and the remaining4 split between the Hornets, Nuggets, Houston, and Dallas, the Jazz face probably the most difficult home stretch in history. A win is a win regardless of the competition(or lack thereof).
3. Winning despite injuries. With Kirilenko, Brewer, and Okur all missing time, the Jazz have still stayed atop the Northwest . Wining sans 3 starters? That's some serious depth that will become crucial come playoff time and in the coming 2 weeks. The resurgence of C.J. Miles shooting touch has to be a welcome sight as perimeter shooting and team defense have been the Jazz' two biggest weaknesses this season.
Shout out to Spenser and http://spondyville.com/ Check it out, there are weekly chats as well.
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1 comment:
With the 6 tough ones left, I see them going 3-3, but think that's better than going 5-1 against lower caliber teams. The playoff caliber competition and atmosphere should get them playing at a higher level just before the playoffs come and is just the preparation they need to be primed for the first round. Price is the solid surprise performer this second half of the season, and if Okur's offense does not disappear like in the playoffs last year, the Jazz could fight throught to the Conference Finals again. One good reason to think Okur's game will hang in there this year is that he has developed the option to drive and either pull up for a mid-range jumper or to take it hoop. Last year the D just played up tight to deny the 3, but he did not have threat to make them play honest off him. He has added that this year and when Korver's on the court at the same time the D has to stay out instead of sagging in on Booz or helping when Williams drives. Hopefully they will remember to play D themselves and block out (Boozer, rebound snoozer) on the boards so they are not so dependent on the O.
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