Return of the Boozer

Finally! Boozer is back. After reading my frank commentary on his subpar play, he decided to start with the basics.

Rebounding and defense. Just like I talked about. Free throws?

Hey you can only expect so much of a guy who isn't an All-Star. Err....But back to the good stuff.

Boozer jumpstarted himself with some quality defense on Gasol, coming up with a couple deflections which led to steals and slowed the initial Lakers attack enough to keep the Jazz in the game. Not only that, he rebounded with ferocity, rarely allowing himself to be boxed out. After his early free-throw-line jumper it appeared Utah had unwrapped whatever had been covering his confidence.

An impressive 20-20 game was culminated by his play down the stretch. Instead of fading per usual he went to work. With L.A. keying on Williams every pick-and-roll, Boozer came up big hitting a tough fadeaway as the shot clock expired, another jumper, and a tough jump hook in the lane.

When Bryant badly missed a 3 he even did the unthinkable: boxed out!

Of course there were a couple reminders of why he's no Malone: his soft foul on Turiaf and missed free throws at the end. Still, it was encouraging to say the least. With Memo and Millsap both on their games, Utah's frontline is absolutely BEASTLY. Add in Williams' poised play at the point and the Jazz suddenly have a very good chance against any team.

Which Boozer will show up on Sunday? I don't know but I certainly hope it's something worthy of Mothers' Day.

And hits free throws too.