This series ended up going just the way I thought it would, Jazz win in 6 at home. I thought the Jazz would get a game on the road, didn't think it would be the first two and didn't think they would drop game 3, but I thought the whole time in would be in 6 at home.
Deron Williams is one of the ten best players in the league and one of the five smartest. I have posted this before, but I will do so again, he does everything I wish Stockton would have done, he drives to the basket, he abuses smaller guards, and he shoots. Stockton will always be one of my favorite players, but he didn't shoot enough. Deron does a great job of balancing shooting and passing. Right now he is the team leader and mvp.
Tracey McGraddy(I know what I am doing with the spelling) on the other hand is a great talent. I won't ever argue against that. What I will say is that his shot selection is so bad at times(the shots he takes, the time of the game, how well he is being defended) that he can be a detriment to his team. I heard an argument that the guys straight out of high school that don't play on a winner when they first get in the league(that gets rid of Kobe)don't know how to finish a game, don't know what it takes to win. McGraddy and Kevin Garnet are the poster children. Great players but not big gamers. Whereas look at Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Tim Duncan. Guys who played some college ball and played in big games. This years example would be Al Horford. Two straight NCAA championships and the guy is standing up to Garnet. The Hawks wouldn't have near the swagger they do without him. Maybe next time McGraddy won't call Deron -- Dah-ron.
When you play a team 4 times in the regular season and then a best of seven playoff series for two years in a row you really start to hate them. As much as I like Battier and think he would be a good fit for the Jazz, I can't stand watching us play him.
Here are my quick hitters on the series and Jazz in general:
Bobby Jackson does not scare anyone but his own team anymore. He is nothing like he once was.
Paul Millsap finally did what he does best and outhustled and outplayed his alter ego Carl Landry.
When Memo plays with fire we are really tough to beat.
Boozer got after it in the first quarter, then started falling in love with the jumper again the rest of the game. Hopefully he will play differently against the Lakers. But part of me thinks he will just do the same stuff. Where is the old Boozer with the best left hand in bball?
Brewer is by far the most improved player on this team. His timely steals, athleticism, jumper(who'd have thought that would happen) and ability to finish really make him an essential commodity. Against the Lakers he will be the x-factor. Brewer is maybe the best finisher we have ever had. Imagine if Shandon could have finished those layups against the Bulls--That is one of Brewer's strengths.
I think Ronnie Price does a fine job off the bench. In fact I would ask anyone to name a former Jazz backup they prefer over him.
I will not miss seeing Luis Scola's ugly mug.
Kyle Korver shoots much better when we have a lead.
Even when the game is no longer in doubt I don't like seeing Collins or Hart on the court.
A few years ago I thought Sloan was past his prime and should go. Now I think his toughness and tenacity is exactly what the team needs. His evolution as a player coach has been extemely important to the team.
The Rockets were a better team than people gave them credit for. They did win 22 straight. They took away a lot of things the Jazz like to do and do well. I would argue that they present a tougher matchup without Yao for us. Boozer is quicker and tougher than he is, but Boozer has trouble against the more athletic, tough, hustle players like Scola, Landry, and Hayes.
Next series I'd like to see us beat up Kobe like we beat up McGraddy. D Will, Boozer, and Memo need to be great to beat them. Brewer is the key.
Notice I have yet to mention AK47. I am not sure what planet this guy is on right now. Last night his defense was good, game 1 he played well. But really he wasn't a factor the other games. He takes poor shots, can't drive worth a lick, and is one of the worst finishers in the league. If he would just get after it and not worry about driving to the hoop I think he would be fine.
Go Jazz! Beat L.A.!
By the end of this series I will be hating the Lakers even more than I do now(they are my least fav. nba team)
2 comments:
I'm new to this playoffs thing...I'm happy that the Jazz survived round 1 and hope that they don't embarrass themselves in round 2...how's that for low expectations...
The Jazz may not beat the Lakers, but they are not going to fold like a cheap suit. They may get beat badly once, but I think it will be a good series and if they can find a way to defend Kobe they may just win.
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