Recap: Kings 104 – Jazz 103

Sacramento Kings (17-33) at Utah Jazz (27-24)

Pregame Notes: The Kings and the Jimmer Show return to SLC tonight. Even though he hasn’t been seeing consistent playing time lately, I’m sure he’ll get into the game. The late news that Tyreke Evans is out for this game will increase the odds of Jimmer as well. I’m actually glad I’m not in attendance for this one, the surprisingly high number of Jimmer fans at the last game led to an incredibly awkward atmosphere that I don’t want to experience again this season, if ever. I don’t root against him but being at a Jazz home game hearing even more cheers for an opponent than Kobe Bryant gets was unsettling.

For the Jazz, they’ve won 7 straight at home and have a nice chance to bounce back after a tough road loss to Boston. There’s enough attention being brought to the playoff race right now but I’ll just limit for now by saying they’re in a 3-way tie for the 7th and 8th seed with Denver and Houston. One of those two seeds is the likely landing spot but one team will be on the outside, obviously every game is important here on out.

• So, how long into the game will it take for DeMarcus Cousins to try to intimidate somebody smaller than him, most likely Devin Harris for the 3rd straight meeting? How about something else stupid? I dislike him more every time the Jazz face the Kings. Talented, sure, but easy to dislike him.
• Good on the ESA crowd, booing Cousins each time he touches the ball. I think we all saw the last game in SAC when he tried to bully Harris.
• (1st 8:52) 4-10. Cousins showing the part of him that got him drafted early in the lottery, hitting 3/4 shots early to put the Kings up. Timeout from Corbin, probably to ask the Jazz if they plan to play some defense tonight.
• Wh-what just happened? Both teams suddenly went on a flurry of running up and down the court as the defense took off completely for both sides after a couple of nice blocks from the Jazz. Trading fast breaks like that was almost dizzying.
• (2:46) 23-25. Jazz fell behind nearly by double digits but clawed their way back. They’ll take possessions off on defense then look spectacular on others with blocked shots. Gordon Hayward is starting to heat up. I’m starting to realize something. Hayward is Andrei Kirilenko 2.0. Great hustle, strong defense, fills up the stat line. He’s a better shooter than AK47 and I think has the potential to ultimately be a better player. If there’s a player on the Jazz most likely to duplicate AK’s feat of 15-5-5-5-5 (15 points, 5 rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) in a game it’s probably Hayward.
• Jimmer checks in to the expected chorus of cheers. Hard to tell from home but it doesn’t seem as loud as before.
• Really, fans? Again with the booing when Jimmer touches the ball? I’ve been trying to figure it out. Are they booing HIM or booing the fans cheering him? I think it might be more of the latter, frustrated at so many cheers for an opponent. Either way, I don’t like the boos for him, doesn’t feel like he’s earned them…like Cousins. Boo him all game. Please.
• (End 1st) 29-32. I suppose after trailing by 9, being down by 3 at this point is a minor victory. The Jazz are allowing the Kings to shoot far too high a percentage, the 4 blocks don’t tell an accurate tale of how the defense has looked. The offense has improved somewhat for Utah but early in the quarter that was the only direction possible for it to go.
• (2nd 8:41) 32-37. Offensive struggles continue for the Jazz. Shots simply aren’t falling. They’re getting decent looks but they aren’t falling.
• What’s going on with Favors? He’s getting to the basket fine but 0/8 shooting. At least he’s getting to the free throw line.
• (7:07) 38-39. A mini run from the Jazz cuts the lead to 1. Getting to the basket a bit easier now, no longer settling for as many jumpers.
• Favors 0/9 but 5 points from free throws and 8 rebounds. I can’t even tell if that means he’s having a good game or not.
• (2:20) 51-48. Momentum shifted to the Jazz, seemed like they were close to breaking the game open a few times but couldn’t convert those opportunities and Kings have hung around. Jefferson having a nice game so far, closing in on a double-double.
• Cousins trying to rip Jefferson’s arm out of his socket. At least he’s not trying to beat up somebody smaller than him this time. Still, doesn’t dispel my notions that he’s a dirty player.
• (Half) 59-56.

Halftime Notes: Jazz started slow but have bounced back, seem to be playing better now. Feels like they should be further ahead in this game, Utah is the better team, but so far it’s been competitive. The sporadically absent defense is a problem, neither team seems consistent on that end tonight. The scoring leaders for the Jazz are Jefferson (14), Hayward (13), Harris (9) and Burks (7). The Kings got 50/56 points from 4 players: Thornton (15), Cousins (15), Thomas (12), and Greene (8).

I expected the shooting percentages to be stronger for both teams with how high scoring the game has been. SAC is 47% and UTA is 43%. Jazz are leading because they’ve made up the difference with 17/21 free throws and are winning the rebounding battle 30-21.

• What is C.J. Miles doing there? I don’t blame him for taking that wide open 3, it was a good look, but immediately reaching in for an unnecessary foul right after? Baffling. Plays like that won’t keep him on the court when Burks is itching for playing time.
• Okay, C.J, that was a great pass. I’ll back off…for now.
• (8:07) 67-62. I don’t really have much to say. That was an oddly uninspiring 4 minutes. Millsap has been quiet, I just realized I haven’t had a reason to mention him yet tonight though I of course haven’t been commenting on every play.
• (5:44) 69-69. After building the lead up to 7 at 69-69, Kings go on a 7-0 run to promptly tie it back up. This is a little frustrating seeing such a close game when the Jazz are the better team.
• Yikes. That was…a lot of blood all over Cousins’ face from an inadvertent Hayward elbow. I don’t wish injury on players but I won’t pretend to feel bad for him with all the hard fouls and elbows he throws at our guys. He’s getting stitched up in the locker room now.
• I like the way Kanter fights for rebounds but he needs to learn that when he grabs an offensive rebound he doesn’t have to try to put a shot up every time. Sometimes it’s better to pass the ball out and reset. He’ll learn that but until he does, a little frustrating at times.
• Chippy game. Technical fouls are starting to come now, all on Sacramento.
• (End 3rd) 84-80. Jazz up 4, I have surprisingly little to say about that quarter. It was a slower pace and the teams are getting testy toward one another. Feels like Jazz should pull this one off but it’s a closer game than I’m comfortable with. Kings were a Jimmer 3 away from winning the last time here, can’t let them hang around.
• The way Favors’ shots keep missing when they are good looks and ones he normally makes is getting astounding. 0/12 yet by all appearances, he’s playing well. He already has the rebounds, a few more trips to the free throw line and he could pull of the most surprising double-double I’ve seen.
• (8:30) 86-84. I’m getting uneasy with this game. It’s getting ugly and the Jazz can’t sustain any momentum for a meaningful amount of time. I still feel like the Jazz will hang on to finish the Kings off but that’s mainly because they should.
• I’ll let Matt Harpring cover this update. “The Jazz have 24 offensive rebounds, which is an amazing stat. Partly because they’re missing a lot of shots, shooting the ball 34%.”
• When Cousins doesn’t feel like running the court his solution is apparently an unnecessary reach in foul. Insert an appropriate C.J. Miles comparison here.
• (5:24) 92-88. Jazz still clinging to that slight lead, I’ve nothing more to add right now. It’s starting to look like this game might join the other two between these two teams this year in being close, the prior two were 96-93 and 103-102 Jazz victories.
• Burks for 3! Next possession, Hayward drive to the basket…and 1! Huge couple of possessions. That could be what the Jazz need to finish them. Hayward missed the free throw while I was typing, though.
• (2:52) 99-96. The Jazz were poised to seize control of the game but couldn’t finish the Kings off, still allowing them to hang around. Jazz will land solid punches, Kings keep countering. Frustrating, please just put them away already!
• Millsap fouls out with 2:20 left. He’s quietly had a decent, though not great, game but Favors comes back still yet to hit a FG.
• 101-101 with 2 min left. My desire to see the Jazz bury the Kings will not go fulfilled. We’re headed for a 3rd close game.
• Big Al! Nice offensive rebound and follow to put the Jazz back up 2! (103-101, over a minute left)
• SAC miss!
• Jefferson miss.
• (31.6 sec) 103-101. Isiah Thomas turns on his motor and drives to the basket, drawing a foul.
• Hits both FTs. 103-103.
• (15.1 sec) 103-103. Oh…Burks…what…what happened? That was painful. Drove to the basket and simply lost it, just…dribbled it off his own chest. Sacramento will get the ball back with a chance to win it.
• Ugh. Cousins drives to the basket and draws the foul from what really should have been a jump ball or a strip by Watson. I’m biased but that wasn’t a foul.
• (3.8 sec) 103-104. He made 1/2 free throws. Jazz have enough time to still win it.
• BIG AL!!! Another tip in for the win?!? Consecutive wins with a Jefferson tip in?!?
• Oh…oh no…
• Replay shows…it’s…too late. That’s a punch to the gut.
• Confirmed. Shot no good.
• (Final) 103-104.

Postgame Notes: Pardon me for not going into lengthy postgame notes. It’s going to take me a little while to recover from this loss. The big picture is with the Rockets and Nuggets winning, they are a game out of the playoff chase now. They also let the Kings pick up a game on the Warriors, letting Golden State get a little closer to taking their way into keeping their draft pick. That’s the worse case scenario for the Jazz this year. Barely miss the playoffs and lose the GSW draft pick.

I’ll force myself to give some stats after all. Jazz were 31/88 shooting for a miserable 35.2%. They had an amazing 52 free throw attempts, making 38 of them for 73.1%. 62 rebounds, 27 offensive…but as Harpring said in the broadcast, that was aided by poor shooting. Jefferson had a nice game with 27 points, 16 rebounds. Favors had 14 rebounds yet finished 0/13 shooting. Hayward and Burks had good games too.

The Kings shot 39/90 (43.3%) from the field, 22/32 (68.8%) from the line. Scoring leaders were Cousins (27) Thornton (26) and Thomas (19).

That’s it, recap over, I think I need a stiff drink after that one.

Next Game: UTA @ LAC. Saturday, March 31, 8:30 PM MST.  TV:  ROOT.

Recap: Celtics 94 – Jazz 82

Utah Jazz (27-23) at Boston Celtics (27-22)

Pregame Notes: It’s a battle of current #7 seeds as the Jazz take on the Celtics. Jazz have won 7 of their last 8 games, making a run at the right time for a playoff push. The Celtics have been up and down this year but good at the Garden, with a 17-8 record. If you flip that you get the Jazz’s road record: 8-17. The Celtics will be without Ray Allen, Jazz are still without Raja Bell and Josh Howard.

• I always enjoy when Millsap shows off his guard-like ball handling skills, such as that spin move he just used to get to the basket and draw a foul.
• 4 minutes in it’s 4-4. Defensive battle or offensive ineptitude? Maybe a bit of both? Jazz are 1/6 shooting, Celtics are 2/9.
• (1st 4:23) 14-14. A pair of 3s from Harris and Miles help bring the Jazz out of their offensive dry spell but it hasn’t been the most electrifying start to a game. It appears that shots aren’t falling more than it’s been good defense, from both teams. Utah and Boston are both good defensively, though, so it won’t be surprising to see neither team reach 100 points.
• (2:10) 17-14. In two minutes of play, the only basket is a Hayward 3, who has been shooting much better from outside this month. Jefferson is really struggling vs his former team, he’s 0/7 and even misfired on a dunk.
• (End 1st) 21-18. Neither team lit it up that quarter but the Jazz have a 3 point lead so can’t complain too much. The Jazz shot 7/21 (33%) while the Celtics were 8/22 (36%) during that quarter. No particular player stood out but the Jazz do own an 18-9 rebounding edge.
• (2nd 7:39) 23-25. Celtics on a 7-2 run to open the quarter and the Jazz seem a little out of sync, illustrated by Watson passing the ball with 2 seconds left on the shot clock, leading to a turnover. Has Watson been on the bench for too long? PGs need better awareness than that. Favors is showing good aggression and ability to get to the basket but the shots aren’t falling as they should. It doesn’t help that he’s allowed to get hacked by Boston with no foul being called, just saying.
• The run is 9-0 now for Boston.
• (5:49) 25-29. Things aren’t much better for the Jazz, they’re committing too many offensive fouls. They need to get it together before Boston starts hitting their shots, the feel of the game right now is such that it seems like the Celtics could make a big run even though they’re only up 4. I hope I am wrong.
• (2:32) 29-42. Jazz outscored 13-4 since the last timeout. This is a time I didn’t want to be right. I have some complaints with the officiating (Millsap traveled WHILE DRIBBLING?!?) but Jazz are simply not playing well. That’s more of a problem, by far.
• Blowout in the making? It’s starting to look like it. Jefferson looks awful, Jazz settling for too many jumpers.
• (1:17) 33-44. 4-2 Jazz run. Yes, this game has been so abysmal for the Jazz so far that even 4-2 feels like an accomplishment.
• Jazz with their 11th turnover as Harris sails an alley oop pass into the 2nd row.
• Jazz showed enough of a spark to close out the half that I’m no longer tempted to turn the game off. Still we find ourselves at:
• (Half) 35-46.

Halftime Notes: Where to begin with this one? Jazz look awful on so many levels. It feels like they’re down 20 so I suppose trailing 11 feels like a mild victory? They’re certainly not out of it yet but 35 points in the 1st half is awful. They shot 14/37 (38%) and were a respectable 3/5 from 3-point range. The Celtics shot 19/42 (45%). The Jazz have only 12 points in the paint, which is where their offense is based around, while the Celtics have 22. Jazz are still up in the rebounding battle 28-16 but a far more troubling statistic is the turnovers. Utah has turned it over 12 times while Boston only has 3.

Who is shooting the ball well for the Jazz? It is not a long list. Gordon Hayward leads the Jazz with 9 points on 4/5 shooting, Paul Millsap is 2/3 for 6 points. The next best is Devin Harris with 2/4 shooting and 5 points. Boston has 2 players in double figures, Paul Pierce and Brandon Bass both have 11 points on 4/10 shooting. There aren’t really any other individual stats worth mentioning. Hopefully the Jazz can start the 3rd quarter strong so this game doesn’t get out of hand.

• (3rd 7:29) 43-61. Quarter started very poorly for the Jazz, they finally responded and got it close to single digits. Then Boston countered and the lead is up to 18 with the game dangerously close to being out of reach for the Jazz. Frustrating to watch.
• My grasping at anything to keep me interested: Jazz on a 6-0 run after the timeout.
• (5:19) 53-63. That 6-0 run has grown to a 10-2 run since the last timeout, Jazz are finally looking more like the team we’ve seen the past few weeks, making those extra passes and shots are starting to drop. Hopefully they can keep chipping away to get it close for the 4th quarter.
• How about a 17-3 run to cut the lead to 4? It’s safe to say I’m re-engaged in this game.
• 8 straight misses from Boston? Fantastic!
• (End 3rd) 61-66. Boston misses their last 9 shots, Jazz miss their last 5. Still, I’m impressed that Utah battled back and as a fan, they have rekindled my hope. The lead was as large as 18 for Boston, now it’s only 5. I’m encouraged by how they played during that quarter and am feeling far more optimistic about their chances in gutting out a win.
• Time for my daily gushing over Alec Burks. Drives to the basket, draws the foul, ties the game at 66! Continually impressed with the rookie.
• Hayward!
• Hayward!
• Kanter!
• (4th 8:57) 68-73. Wow, what a great turn of events. Back to back blocks from Hayward leads to Kanter driving to the basket and drawing the foul, getting the chance for a 3-point play. Unfortunately he missed the free throw but that stopped a 7-0 Celtics run to bring the deficit back to 5.
• Free throw shooting is killing the Jazz tonight, much like is did when the team was struggling.
• (5:58) 71-80. Double technical? Come on, refs. Garnett gives Jefferson a cheap elbow so of course you give them both a T? Ridiculous. That kind of thing should be reviewed instead of taking the easy way out and penalizing both of them. It’s clearly on KG. Game is getting frustrating again as Jazz can’t seem to claw their way back to a tie.
• (3:51) 73-84. The last two possessions make me feel like this game is over. Jazz miss two shots right at the basket then Celts go down to hit a jumper, going back up by 11. I’m glad  Utah battled back, though. Jefferson looks frustrated by KG and I don’t blame him. Garnet is a player I’ve become less and less a fan of every year. Many things I admire about him but damn, he sure seems like a dirty player. I admit, that was said about Stockton and Malone a fair amount and Stock was my favorite player as a kid…but still. I suppose it’s a matter of perspective. Celtic fans likely just view KG as being “tough” while opponents have a different view. I get it.
• Jazz showing some fight here late, even if they lose I am pleased to see them not give up. They’ve cut the lead to 8 with 2 minutes left, keeping a bit of hope alive.
• Millsap takes a KG elbow to the face, no call. KG goes over Miles’ back on a rebound, foul on Miles. I know the Jazz are largely to blame for this loss but this officiating is maddening.
• (Final) 82-94

Postgame Notes: To Utah’s credit, they kept fighting until the end. I’m more encouraged by this loss than I would have been if the game had continued as it did during the first half. If they’re going to lose on the road, I want it to at least be a competitive game and this one was in the 2nd half. The Jazz had great difficulty making shots all game but they did tie the game at 66-66 in the 3rd quarter.

It’s still a short list of Jazz players who had a good game. Hayward led with 19 points followed by Jefferson (18) and Millsap (16). Jefferson had a double-double by grabbing 12 rebounds as well. C.J. Miles was dreadful, continuing his pattern of playing well at home and playing terribly on the road. He was 1/10 shooting. It won’t happen but I think Corbin should just go ahead and bench him for road games, this is getting ridiculous. The Jazz were 32/82 (39%) with their FGs and equally as bad with free throws at 15/24 (63%). The turnover shifted in the 2nd half, the Jazz committing 3 to the Celtics’ 9. One further note: Gordon Hayward has been phenomenal defensively during the past few weeks. It’s been very encouraging.

Boston was led by their Big 4 with Brandon Bass taking Ray Allen’s place. Garnett led the scoring with 23 points followed by Paul Pierce (20) and Bass (19). Rajon Rondo had 14 assists to go with 9 points. They shot 36/77 (47%) from the field.

Jazz finish this mini road trip at 1-2 but the two losses were to Boston and that 4OT game to Atlanta, both playoff teams, so it’s tough to feel too upset about it. They are still in the thick of the playoff hunt but dropping road games will make every home game all the more important. The Jimmer Show comes back to SLC next, I’m actually glad I don’t have tickets to this one since the last time he was here felt very awkward with all the Jimmer and BYU fans in attendance. It will be interesting to see what type of feel the next game has. Of course, that’s all predicated on him even getting into the game.

Next Game: SAC @ UTA. Friday, March 30, 7:00 PM MST.  TV:  ROOT.

Recap: Jazz 105 – Nets 84

Utah Jazz (26-23) at New Jersey Nets (16-34)

Pregame Notes: The main issue facing the Jazz tonight will be fatigue, this game is coming on the heels of the franchise’s 1st 4OT game the night before. The Jazz have 2 former Nets (Harris, Favors) and the Nets have 4 former Jazz players (D-Will, Humphries, Stevenson, Gaines) so that probably balances out. In theory, the Jazz are more talented but anything can happen. Not much to say about the Nets this season. With Dwight Howard sticking around Orlando another year, it seems very unlikely Deron will stay in New Jersey past this year which makes the trade with the Jazz pretty much a fleecing on Utah’s part. It’ll be pretty brutal if New Jersey gives up two draft picks, Harris, and Favors for a one year rental of Deron but it will probably end up that way. As a Jazz fan, I’m not too broken up about it.

• What a terrible start to this game. At least the Nets look just as bad as the Jazz so far. Poor shooting by both teams but the shots will fall eventually, right?
• Very early substitutions for Corbin, bringing in young legs of Burks and Favors with the fresh legs of Watson to give some of the guys who played 50+ minutes last night an early break. The substitution patterns will be interesting tonight.
• (1st 7:01) 7-1. Jazz have looked bad but Nets have looked terrible so that’s something.
• (2:36) 15-12. Not too surprising to see the Jazz struggling early, all things considered. Going to have to rely heavily on the bench tonight. Fortunately, the Nets are struggling too. Seems like we’re on pace for a 80-74 type score with the way this quarter is playing out.
• (End 1st) 15-17. I really hope the entire game isn’t as ugly as that first quarter. Yikes. For the Nets, Gerald Green has 12 points, the rest of the team has 5. Jazz are 6/18 shooting for 33%, Nets are slightly worse with 6/19 for 32%.
• (2nd 7:46) 27-19. Jazz bench have started to find a rhythm now, playing better gradually while the Nets are still struggling mightily. Jazz on a 12-2 run to start the quarter.
• (5:53) 34-23. Jazz still with a comfortable lead and clearly outplaying the Nets. Jazz are obviously the more talented team, the question will be if they can keep their legs down the stretch. The added minutes for the bench will help. Alec Burks leading the Jazz with 8 points.
• (1:55) 44-30. Lead was growing but after a few poor possessions from the Jazz, Corbin calls a timeout. Still looks encouraging for Utah. Their FG% has improved to 46% while New Jersey is still stuck at 32%.
• Millsap for 3! Nice stamp on the half.
• (Half) 49-32.

Halftime Notes: The Jazz scoring load has been incredibly balanced so far. They have no players in double figures and have gotten 26 points from the starters and 23 from the bench. For the Nets, Gerald Green leads all scorers with 12 points but he’s the only one having much impact, contributing to the 17-point Jazz lead.

The FG% is similar to where it was with 2 minutes left, the Jazz have settled at 45% while the Nets dipped to 31%. Once the Jazz found some energy after playing for a few minutes they took control of the game and haven’t looked back. If it continues in the 2nd half, the starters will get some needed rest as the bench finishes the blowout. Still 24 minutes of ball left, though. Hopefully it’s not 44 minutes more like last night.

• “Deron’s expression as he ran by us is OTL. He’s out to lunch.” That was from the broadcast. I’m still a D-Will fan and don’t really blame him. Not much to play for but he’s a pretty fierce competitor so you can’t ever really rule him out.
• Speaking of Deron, I heard on the radio broadcast that during these free throws (7:55 in the 3rd) he went over to catch up quickly with a Jazz PR guy. Speaks to his character that he’d take a few seconds to check in with personnell on the team he used to play for. I hope he finds a good situation next year and I really hope it’s not with the Lakers. That would be really a really tough pill for me.
• (5:55) 62-45. And just before the timeout, D-Will shows off that killer crossover of his that I miss seeing on a near-nightly basis. Still looking good for the Jazz, they’re the better team and haven’t let up, keeping a comfortable lead.
• I wasn’t planning on every update in the 3rd quarter centering around D-Will but he’s starting to come alive. The rest of his team has yet to follow so I’m not terribly concerned but, still.
• (2:17) 70-57. Nets are gradually chipping away at the lead thanks mainly to Deron. Jazz can’t get too complacent, don’t want to lose momentum or let this get competitive.
• Coach Corbin agrees, Millsap gets a very brief rest, has to check back in as the lead keeps dwindling.
• 13-3 Nets run. Lead is suddenly only 5.
• “The crowd…that is here…would have erupted with that dunk.” Harpring subtly points out that there’s only so much noise a half-full arena can make. Maybe “half” is even generous.
• (End 3rd) 72-65. A nice layup despite getting fouled (that wasn’t called) from Burks to put the Jazz back up 7 to finish the quarter. Since I haven’t gushed over him yet, I’ll again say how much I like his aggression and confidence when he drives to the basket.
• Nets scored 32 points in the 1st half. Scored 33 points in the 3rd quarter. Jazz defense needs to get it going again.
• D-Will is on fire. Lead is only 3. Jazz starters coming back in early. So much for giving them added rest, a win is more important.
• Jazz turned it over 8 times in the 3rd quarter. Recall that last night they turned it over 9 times…in 8 periods of play.
• (4th 9:12) 79-69. After Deron cut it to 3 with a 3 pointer, Corbin brought the starters back and they promptly went on a 7-0 run to build the lead back up to 10. That allows us fans to breathe a bit of a sigh of relief but we’re not able to relax quite yet. We know what Deron can do.
• 17 turnovers for the Jazz, 15 for Nets. One team is tired, one team isn’t very good.
• What a great call by Corbin to bring the starters back in, Jazz look like they’re in complete control once again. 15-4 run since that move.
• (5:39) 90-73. Make that a 18-4 run with a Devin Harris 3 that might be the dagger. Looking like the Jazz have buried the Nets now and I, for one, am able to relax. Hopefully they can keep it up a couple of more minutes until the benches can clear, signalling the virtual end of the game.
• Lead back up to 20, 3 minutes left. I think we can safely count this as a win.
• (2:46) 99-79. Expect the benches to be emptied after this timeout, this one’s done.
• Yep.
• (Final) 105-84.

Postgame Notes: The Nets gave the Jazz a bit of a scare there in the 4th quarter but in the end, being more talented overcame being more tired. Millsap (24), Jefferson (20), and Burks (15) carried the bulk of the scoring load and Millsap got a double-double by also pulling down 13 rebounds. Harris and D-Will both had 11 assists. A few Jazz players did struggle but it feels like nitpicking to even mention it in a 21-point victory. It was sloppy and ugly at times but in the end, still was a blowout and Jazz were in control throughout most of the game. They withstood the run from the Nets and delivered the knockout, as good teams should.

Even with the fatigue, Jazz needed this win for their playoff push. With road wins tough to come by, beating inferior teams is a necessity. Hopefully they get plenty of rest, beating the Celtics won’t be as easy a task.

Next Game: UTA @ BOS. Wednesday, March 28, 5:30 PM MST.  TV:  ROOT.

Recap: Hawks 139 – Jazz 133 (4OT)

Utah Jazz (26-22) at Atlanta Hawks (29-20)

Pregame Notes: Two of the hottest teams in the NBA face off tonight. Each are in the playoff hunt in their respective conferences and have two of the five best records in the NBA during March. Both teams might be a little tired, the Hawks on the end of the back-to-back-back while the Jazz playing their 3rd game in 4 nights but off yesterday. It’s been fun to watch the Jazz lately, they’ve been playing their best basketball of the season, no question.

• (1st 5:52) 10-16. Hawks are the ones off to the quick start, hitting a couple of early 3s and finding balance in their scoring.
• Do fans just arrive late in Atlanta or what? This is a playoff team. Why so many empty seats in the lower bowl? Plus, PA voice sounds booming as it does in other arenas with low attendance.
• Jazz aren’t playing particularly well right now, offense is ice cold for the past couple minutes.
• (2:24) 18-20. Jazz heating back up, answering a Hawks run with one of their own.
• 1st quarter nearly over, come on Hawks fans! Come to the game! I understand with bad teams but playoff teams?
• Bolerjack: “This is a small crowd.” Harpring: “Atlanta is a 2nd half team. The crowd comes in the 2nd half.” So…Atlantans (Atlantites? Atlantonians?) are very busy and can only be bothered for one half? Personally, I enjoy getting my money’s worth for a full game. I even like watching pregame warmups. Maybe I’m weird…
• (End 1st) 22-29. Joe Johnson scored 18 points on 8/8 shooting. That’s fantastic for an entire game, let alone the 1st quarter. Jazz have only shown brief bursts of playing well, not looking quite in sync yet this game…unlike Johnson. I mean, really? 8/8? In the 1st? Yikes.
• Hawks shooting really well so far. Jazz…are not. Real expert analysis there, I know.
• Kirk Hinrich showing that even us bespectacled folk can play basketball. Rock those goggles with pride!
• (2nd 8:57) 29-34. Should give you an idea on the level of play in this game that I’m commenting on the crowd and goggles. Speaking of which, still maybe half-full arena.
• Is the Jazz TV broadcast ever going to do a poll that isn’t going to have a super majority of votes for one answer? Who’s the best Georgia Tech player and Harpring is a choice with no other players with Jazz connections? Come on, you’re asking Jazz fans. He’s going to get 86% of the vote.
• Oh good, Hawks got the lead up to 8 without Joe Johnson on the court. Now he’s back, I’m sure everything will be just fine for Jazz, right?
• I think my observations are improving. Broadcast said Jazz look out of sync, it’s what I thought earlier too. Somehow validating for an amateur like me when professionals say the same things.
• (5:50) 33-42. Jazz can’t get anything going and don’t have an answer for Johnson or Josh Smith of the Hawks. Don’t know what else to say right now. 33 points midway through the 2nd. They scored more than that in nearly every quarter on Friday.
• (2:44) 38-46. Jazz haven’t made any progress chipping away at this lead yet. It’s been a pretty ugly half from them, hard to keep my interest focused on the game right now.
• Hawks close the half on a 9-2 run.
• (Half) 40-55.

Halftime Notes: For Atlanta, it’s the Joe Johnson and Josh Smith show as they’ve accounted for 33 points with 18 and 15, respectively. The Jazz don’t have anybody in double figures yet but Jefferson, Millsap, and Burks are flirting with it as they all have 8. Pretty uninspiring half from the Jazz highlighted (lowlighted?) by poor shooting and weak defense.

I think the only team stat worth mentioning is the shooting percentages. Jazz are a woeful 34% from the field while Hawks are at 51%. Jazz settling for a lot of jump shots and they are not falling. The way they’ve been playing, not surprising to see them down 15. Let’s just move on to the 2nd half, nothing else worth dwelling on.

• (3rd 11:11) 44-55. A 4-0 run is cause for a timeout less than a minute into the quarter? Sure, why not?
• Broadcast giving the Jazz small credit for balanced scoring attack? Yes, I suppose it’s been balanced in that the entire team shot poorly in the 1st half. Just not the balance you’d like.
• Hello there, 11-0 Jazz run!
• Hawks score their first point of the 2nd half at the 8:16 mark.
• Watching more games this year I’m noticing more things such as organs. Does Atlanta have an organ player? I’m fairly sure Madison Square Garden has one and I feel like I’ve heard other arenas. All of them in the Eastern Conference. I could do research on this but the Jazz are actually competitive this quarter so I’m paying more attention. Aside from this tangent, of course.
• (3:16) 65-64. Nice comeback from the Jazz this quarter to take the lead after trailing by 15 at the half. Looks like a much different team now. Well, looks like the Jazz team we’ve seen the past few weeks instead of the Bizarro Jazz from the 1st half.
• (2:41) 68-64. Blocked shot from Harris, C.J. drained a 3, Harris foul. That’s what happened since the last timeout. Moving on.
• (End 3rd) 74-75. Millsap and Jefferson combined for 18 points and Jazz won the quarter 34-20. Great to see that they’ve come alive and the game has gotten competitive again.
• Ha! Wow, I nailed it exactly. 86% voted for Harpring in that poll. You’ll have to take my word for it that I didn’t go back to edit my previous bullet, I’ve just seen enough of these to know how it goes…
• Have I gushed about Alec Burks or Derrick Favors yet during this recap? No? I’ll remedy that: they continue to develop and it’s fun to watch. How’s that?
• (4th 7:56) 85-83. Burks, Favors, and DeMarre Carroll all playing well to start the 4th. Carroll making some great hustle plays.
• Still a surprising number of great seats available in the first 1o rows but does seem to be a larger crowd now.
• Nice shot from Favors as he’s falling to the floor. Bonus is he gets an “and 1” chance from it. Double bonus is it’s Josh Smith’s 5th foul.
• (5:54) 91-89. Still a close game, both teams seem to have picked up their defensive intensity with good hustle.
• (2:48) 93-94. For such a compelling game I have oddly little to say. Going to come down to the wire yet again, as many of the Jazz games have lately.
• I’m glad the Jazz PA doesn’t have to shout “DEFENSE” to let the crowd know what they’re supposed to chant when the opponent has the ball and the organ is giving two-note cues.
• Need some of these shots to fall if Jazz are going to gut out this win.
• Nice! Down 3, Hayward makes a free throw, misses 2nd but Jefferson steals the rebound from Pachulia and puts it in the basket to tie the game with a minute left!
• (19 sec) 98-98. Wow. Then Jefferson air balls a great looking shot that would’ve put the Jazz up 2 on the next possession. That was…perplexing.
• Yikes. Jazz 1 of their last 9 shots, Hawks 1/4.
• (3 sec) 98-98. Decent look from Johnson for the potential GW but off the back of the rim. Jazz get another chance to win it.
• Damn. Millsap had a great look at a 10 footer to win it but no good so it’s now…
• (End Regulation) 98-98.
• (OT 1:51) 100-98. Josh Smith fouls out with 2 min left in OT and Jazz up 2. That should help. Neither team can make any shots aside from Harris hitting the lone basket of the overtime so far.
• No, there wasn’t a foul there. Millsap misses dunks all the time. Nevermind the defender with an arm in his FACE. Aside from that, no foul.
• Harris with another Jazz chance at a game winner but off the front of the rim. Here we go to 2nd OT.
• (End OT) 100-100. Both teams 1/8 shot in that 1st OT. It’s probably safe to say that both teams are gassed.
• (2OT 2:52) 107-102. Nice 3-point play from Hayward to put the Jazz up 5. Both teams still look tired but battling it out despite that.
• Ugh. Just needed a couple more shots to close this game out but here we are, tied once again with 1:22 left.
• (14.9 sec) 113-110. This time Harris hits it! Jazz up 3! Big shot there, obviously. Let’s close this out!
• (7.5 sec) 113-113. Or not. Ouch. Joe Johnson drains a 3 to tie the game back up. Yet another chance for the Jazz, their 3rd GW opportunity forthcoming.
• Another GW shot…missed. This one rattled around the rim and popped out from Harris. Sheesh. Off we go.
• (End 2OT) 113-113.
• Jazz only have 9 turnovers through 3 OTs? That’s pretty good for a regular game, let alone a long one like this.
• Well, scoring has picked up. Both teams have to still be gassed but giving all they’ve got. It’s pretty impressive both teams still battling.
• (3OT 1:35) 121-119. Hayward FTs put the Jazz up 2 but the game is still close, neither team can get any separation. Game has to end eventually…right?
• Jefferson for 2! Williams for 2! Tied again!
• (4.5 sec) ANOTHER potential go-ahead shot rolls off the rim for the Jazz, this one from Jefferson, but Millsap grabs the rebound. Jazz get the final shot at the end of regulation, end of 1st OT, end of 2nd, now end of 3rd OT. 4th time the charm?
• Nope. Off the rim. AGAIN. My goodness.
• (End 3OT) 123-123.
• Good thing the Jazz don’t have to play another game tomorrow.  Oh, wait…
• Both teams refuse to quit. Figured one of them would have ran out of gas by now but they’re still battling.
• Damn, Jefferson fouls out with 3:25 left and Jazz down 3. That might hurt.
• A mere 30 sec later, there goes Millsap.
• (4OT 1:47) 129-131. Jazz shots are not falling during this period but they’re hanging in there. Hawks still hitting shots but Jazz keeping it close at free throw line.
• That miss from Miles may be the last straw.
• And a Joe Johnson 3 is the dagger.
• (16.9 sec) 131-135. I think that’ll do it for the Jazz. Brutal that either team has to lose a battle like this but home team probably going to pull this one out.
• As a basketball fan, there’s a part of me that is happy for the Hawks fans who were in attendance. I still remember the 3OT win the Jazz got over MJ’s Bulls in 1992 that I attended at age 13. Still remember specific plays from it. Fans at this game tonight will likely always remember it so for that aspect, good for them to witness a 4OT win.
• (Final) 133-139.

Postgame Notes: Wow. How about that grind of a game? Both teams gave everything they had, one of them is going to be heartbroken after a game like that. Unfortunately, tonight it’s the Jazz. That was the first 4OT game in Jazz history and the first 4OT game in the NBA since 1997.

After a blistering 18 points in the 1st quarter, Joe Johnson finished with 37 to lead all scorers. In such a long game there were a lot of guys in double figures so I won’t list them all but the double-doubles came from Josh Smith with 22 points, 10 rebounds and Zaza Pachulia with 15 points, 20 rebounds.

For the Jazz, Jefferson led the way with 28 points and 17 rebounds. Millsap was close behind with 25 points, 13 rebounds. With the Jazz playing tomorrow night, it’s a bit of  a concern that 4/5 starters played over 50 minutes in this game. The young guys might get big minutes vs the Nets, the vets might be out of gas. Hayward? Who knows, he did log 57 minutes but he’s also 22 years old.

Tough to know what to take from this for the Jazz. You like to see them compete and be in the game all the way on the road vs a good team but it’s discouraging to drop a long game like that, especially at the start of a mini road trip. Enough games left and the race is tight enough that the playoff picture doesn’t change much, the winning streak wasn’t going to last for the rest of the season. Hopefully they get enough rest and have enough in the tank to beat an inferior Nets team, even with a motivated D-Will up against his former team.

Next Game: UTA @ NJN. Monday, March 26, 5:30 PM MST.  TV:  ROOT.

Recap: Jazz 121 – Nuggets 102

Denver Nuggets (26-21) at Utah Jazz (25-22)

Pregame Notes: The Jazz have been a lot of fun to watch during this 5-game win streak, their longest of the season. The 4 young guys have been stepping up their game, showing development seemingly every night, while the veterans have been performing to their abilities as well. As their play continues to improve and they come together more as a team, my uncertainty over whether I should root for them to make the playoffs fades. I’m becoming more on board with the idea that even if it’s the 8 seed, I want this team to make it. I can’t help myself. Besides, if the current standings hold, we still get the #9 pick in the draft thanks to Golden State.

I was surprised to see Denver trade Nene to Washington for Javale McGee. Hopefully the Jazz can catch the Nuggets still trying to find a new identity with their new pieces. It’s a big game for playoff implications, a Jazz win would force a 3-way tie with the Nuggets and Rockets for that 7/8 spot. I’d heard Raja Bell was warming up but I don’t know if he’ll play. Same starting lineup as we’ve seen the past few games: Harris, Miles, Hayward, Millsap, Jefferson.

• Even though I’m watching the local broadcast, this is an ESPN game as well. I’m glad I’m watching a recording so I can fast forward the extended timeouts and breaks. Not going to be a longer game for me!
• Millsap setting the tone early with that dunk! Wow!
• Ahem, I should calm down, Faried quickly answers with one of his own.
• Jazz first 13 points spread out among all 5 starters.
• (1st 5:21) 17-14. Really impressed with the energy and effort I’m seeing from the Jazz so far. Very active defensively, showing good ball movement and aggression getting to the basket. No complaints so far.
• I’m glad Andre Miller has never worn a Laker uniform. My unabashed fandom for him would have a serious crisis if that were to occur. It’s bad enough he keeps switching from one division rival (Blazers) to another (Nuggets).
• Hayward’s shot is finally starting to look right. Not just tonight but the last couple of weeks. It’s taken all season but he’s looking a lot more comfortable as an offensive player. Not to mention the stellar defense he’s been playing lately. Just ask Kobe or Durant about Hayward’s defense.
• (2:21) 25-23. This is looking a lot like the game last night, both teams are shooting above 50% and playing with high energy. Enjoying what I’m seeing from the Jazz but Nuggets are staying right with them.
• Alec Burks is going to be prolific scorer for the Jazz. Maybe not this year, but it’s going to happen.
• (End 1st) 30-32. Back-to-back 30-point 1st quarters for the Jazz. I hope the Jazz can keep up this energy they’re showing early on, they did play last night. Jefferson leads the Jazz so far with 7 points and the future prolific scorer Burks has 5. Afflalo has 10 for the Nuggets.
• Ha! That was a pretty cheap move, Tinsley. Stop in your tracks to make Harrington crash into you? I suppose it’s legal and it worked, drew a foul. I’d be angry if it were reversed. Since it’s not, it’s amusing. How it goes.
• (2nd 8:56) 38-38. Pretty hard foul there from McGee. I agree with the refs that it’s not a flagrant 2, though. It didn’t look malicious and appeared like there was an attempt to go for the ball. Both teams still playing well.
• Corbin giving Favors a lot of minutes in the first half. Not that he has a choice, Favors’ play lately demands playing time.
• Faint praise from Boone there for Tinsley. “He’s been a very…adequate backup during this winning streak.” I’d argue that he’s been a very good backup during this streak. Enough so that Earl Watson’s job may not be guaranteed when he returns from his injury.
• (6:46) 41-45. Jazz allowing too many fast break opportunities to the Nuggets, which I’m sure Corbin is berating the team for during this timeout.
• 10 points already for C.J. Miles. It is a home game, therefore he is playing well.
• Is Wilson Chandler trying to challenge Chris Anderson’s claim to “Most Tattooed Nugget”?
• It’s a nice luxury for the Jazz to have somebody like Derrick Favors ready to come in when Millsap gets into foul trouble, as he is tonight.
• Jefferson is still in the zone he found yesterday, playing great offensively.
• (2:31) 55-50. Continuing the similarities from last night, Harris finds Favors for a nice alley oop dunk. Similar pace to last night, similar score, similar shooting percentages, now similar highlights.
• If you watch the ROOT broadcast, you know that shot of the court they do from the corner of the upper deck periodically for ads? The angle of that shot is where my seats are when I go to games (I get half of the home games, split season tickets). Now you know.
• Jazz have really stepped it up, they are blitzing the Nuggets.
• (Half) 63-55.

Halftime Notes: After scoring 58 in the 1st half last night, the Jazz score 63 in the 1st half of tonight’s game. Before we start to think that the Jazz have turned into an offensive juggernaut, realize that it’s against two teams who play an uptempo game and the Jazz are matching that energy. I’m not complaining, it’s fun to watch.

Jefferson with 13 points, Harris had a terrific 2nd quarter and has 10. The two in double figures for the Nuggets are Afflalo (12) and McGee (10). Both teams are getting balanced scoring so far. Jazz had a terrific 2nd half of the 2nd quarter, really breaking the game open with a terrific run to put them up 8 after trailing by 4 at the 6:46 mark.

Last night the Jazz started off shooting in the 60s then dipped down to 52% at the half. Tonight they didn’t suffer that same dip, shooting 62% in the first half. The Nuggets shot 49%, which is usually good enough provided the opponent isn’t also lights out. The rest of the team stats are pretty even so I’ll just fast forward through this extended national TV halftime and get right back to basketball.

• (3rd 9:09) 73-61. Jazz picking up where they left off and so is Al Jefferson. Now have biggest lead of the game and certainly not looking gassed, instead looking…inspired.
• Jazz are very close to blowing this game wide open.
• $50 to the Huntsman Cancer Research!  Oh, wait, I mean, Hayward for 3!!!
• Good thing Hayward wears a mouth guard. Needed that for that elbow from Afflalo. And there goes the game’s leading scorer for Denver to the locker room for a flagrant 2.
• Heh, 41-16 run for the Jazz. Fun stat from the broadcast.
• WOW!!!!!!!!!
• That…that was Devin Harris?!? Really? My goodness.  I’m sure NBA.com will have a video highlight of that dunk, I will search for it and link it. My goodness. Best dunk I’ve seen from him, easily.
• Harris Takes Off
• (2:37) 91-64. I forget this is on national TV, what a great statement win this is going to be. Jazz are just demolishing the Nuggets now and I’m loving it. The Nuggets are up there with the Bulls and Lakers on the short list of teams I relish seeing the Jazz beat. Less bitterness towards them but it’s the whole “longtime division rivals” thing. Blazers too.
• (End 3rd) 94-76. 27-point lead trimmed to 18 thanks to a 12-3 run from the Nuggets but it’s not time to panic yet. Still, don’t want to ease up and give Denver a chance to come back in this one. Lay the hammer down, empty the bench, enjoy the win.
• A minute into the 4th quarter and the Jazz are still shooting above 60%. Remarkable.
• (4th 10:06) 101-79. 10 minutes left and the Jazz have eclipsed 100 points. I’m sure some teams like the Thunder are used to that but it’s worth pointing out when the Jazz do it this early in the game. Good times, nothing negative to point out. Defense playing well, offense clicking, just don’t let up and let Denver back in this.
• (5:23) 106-88. Nothing really to report, still looking good for the Jazz. A couple of minutes away from emptying the bench, provided this holds.
• 3 minutes left and it’s Jeremy Evans Time!
• (2:24) 113-95. Nice alley oop from Burks to Carroll. That should wrap the game up.
• Hey, Earl Watson is in the game. I didn’t know he was healthy enough to play. Fittingly, his first play is an alley oop to Evans. Giving the fans what they want, an Evans dunk.
• How about another? Sure!
• (Final) 121-102.

Postgame Notes: The Jazz dominated this game starting from midway through the 2nd quarter. After a series of close wins it’s nice to mix a blowout in there and it gives them their 6th straight win, moving them into the #7 seed of the playoffs and .5 games back of #4. 6 teams are within half game of each other battling for 5 playoff spots. Exciting.

To list the Jazz players to played well I’d have to give stat lines for virtually every player. Nobody had a poor game. Jefferson led with 23 points and 6 players had from 12-15 points including all 5 starters, Favors, and Burks. Team shot 59.3%.

Really fantastic game, nothing to really dwell on. I’m excited about the team right now. It’s tough keeping it in check, they’re looking more like a playoff team with every win. I hope it holds but let’s enjoy the ride, it’ll be a fun finish to the season and definitely interesting.

Next Game: UTA @ ATL. Sunday, March 25, 4:00 PM MST.  TV:  ROOT

Recap: Jazz 103 – Kings 102

Utah Jazz (24-22) at Sacramento Kings (17-29)

The Jazz have won 4 straight, including 2 in OT and wins over the Lakers and Thunder. The way the Jazz are playing, you look at the Kings’ record and want to assume the Jazz should have no problem. However, the Jazz are still a shaky road team, the Kings play well at home, and SAC has won 3 straight. Every game counts for the Jazz’s playoff push, while they are sitting barely at the 9 spots, they are oddly in striking distance of the #4 seed. It will be an interesting final 20 games to see how the playoff race shakes out.

Jazz will be without Raja Bell once again (abductor strain) as well as Josh Howard, who is done for the season. C.J. Miles has been playing some of the best ball of his career. As a longtime fan who’s seen all of his career, I keep nervously waiting for the game he disappears, and a road game would fit his pattern. He’s back in the starting lineup tonight as well as Hayward. With Bell/Howard still out, will we have another Demarre Carroll sighting? I enjoy them, simply because I like to see what they have in him when he gets a chance to play. I doubt Earl Watson plays tonight too, no need to rush him back from the ankle injury with how well Jamaal Tinsley is playing.

• Last game was at home, this game is on the road. Same jerseys both nights (green alternate). That is all.
• Big Al is abusing Cousins so far.
• (1st 5:13) 18-22. Jazz shooting 73%, Kings at 62%. Great start offensively for both teams. Whose defense will step up first? Alternate question, which offense will cool down first? Jazz giving up a few too many offensive rebounds so far, other than that, no real complaints yet as both teams are hitting shots.
• Who the **** is Jason Thompson and why is he torching the Jazz? I have never heard of him yet he’s in double digits already. Sheesh.
• (2:57) 22-24. I like Devin Harris not backing down from a much bigger DeMarcus Cousins. No, Cousins, he’s not going to let you get away with a cheap shot like that. He runs right into Harris’ back on the sideline then looks to the refs…why? You’re lucky they didn’t whistle you, Cousins. Bravo, Devin.
• Is Favors the best defender on the team? I don’t know who I’d put above him.
• Great hustle, Hayward! 2-on-1 fast break for the Kings and Hayward still manages to not only get the block but careen the ball off a King in the process.
• (End 1st) 30-26. Jazz go on a 10-2 run to end the quarter. Jefferson has 12 points, every starter has scored. Both teams are on pace to turn this into a shootout. Good hustle from both teams so far, been a pretty entertaining game.
• I get unreasonably excited when Carroll checks in.
• It’s not a coincidence that the Jazz defense is playing better now that Favors is in.
• (2nd 10:34) 36-26. A rookie shouldn’t have as much confidence with his shot as Alec Burks does. I’m not complaining, of course. Also, that 10-2 run is now a 16-2 run and the lead is 10.
• Kings finally score after the run got up to 18-2.
• I’m becoming a bigger Derrick Favors fan every game.
• No, it’s not affecting my man crush on Paul Millsap. Not yet, anyway.
• (5:48) 46-37. As much as I appreciate good defense, uptempo high-scoring games like this can sure be entertaining to watch. Especially when the team you’re rooting for is up 9. That makes it better, naturally.
• Uncontested dunks on a fast break by the opponent are less entertaining.
• Jazz offense is really clicking tonight. Good ball movement, good shot selection, shots are falling. Very pleased.
• There are plenty of times I think Devin Harris doesn’t look like a point guard. Jimmer Fredette looks like even less of one. Both talented, just not pure point guards, that’s all.
• (2:30) 50-44. Not much to add during this break aside from pointing out the Jazz are already at 50 points.
• It’s rare that I get to type this so here goes: that was a nice, heads up play from DeMarcus Cousins. He hung on the rim a few extra seconds after a dunk so he wouldn’t land on Jefferson. Nice to see occasional moments from him that don’t make you question out loud what he’s thinking.
• (Half) 58-48.

Halftime Notes: Offensive showcase tonight as both teams are shooting well. For the Jazz, Jefferson is hot with 16 points. Nobody else is in double figures but Millsap and Favors are close with 8. Tyreke Evans leads the Kings with 12 and after getting 11 in the first quarter, the Jazz held Thompson scoreless in the 2nd.

Now that I see the stats for the shooting, I realize that the Jazz defense in the 2nd quarter was better than I thought. After shooting in the 60s early on, the Kings have fallen to 42% for the game while the Jazz are at 52%. I mentioned it before but the Jazz are a better defensive team when Favors is out there. I don’t know what more to make of that, it’s just becoming more obvious how talented he is. Despite the fast pace of the game and the Jazz good shooting, they only have 2 fast break points to the Kings’ 13. I feel good about how this game is going, hopefully the 2nd half is more of the same.

• I just now noticed that Hayward shaved his beard. Pity, I actually liked the look on him. He may have shaved it a week ago, I can’t tell from the upper deck at Energy Solutions Arena.
• I think the Kings just got 7 offensive rebounds on that possession.
• Ron Boone counted 8.
• Either way, that’s pretty embarrassing.
• (3rd 8:54) 64-56. I mean, seriously? 8 offensive rebounds in a single possession? Okay, Jazz are still up 8 but come on.
• Hayward is quietly having a great all-around game tonight.
• 9 blocked shots for Jazz with 5 minutes left in the 3rd.
• Kings cut it to 6 then Jazz went on an 8-0 run to go up 14.
• What? The Kings are wrapping up a 9 game homestand?!? How is that possible? They must have a massive road trip already in the books or coming up. 9 games in a row at home…wow.
• I enjoy poking fun at Cousins but he is having a terrific game.
• (2:43) 78-70. Each team answering a mini run with one of their own but Jazz have been able to keep the Kings at bay for the most part, they haven’t got the deficit closer than 6 yet in this quarter.
• (End 3rd) 87-77. I mentioned Hayward earlier and now I have stats to back up what I’ve been seeing. He has 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists. Since I’m not watching this live I can’t get stats for others but he’s not alone in having a nice game. Jefferson, for instance, has eclipsed 20 points already. So far so good through 3 quarters for the Jazz. One to go to wrap up a much-needed road win.
• Tyreke Evans is 9/11 shooting with 20 points. I’m getting a little concerned.
• (4th 8:12) 91-85. Kings seem to be playing with a bit more fire than the Jazz right now but Utah is still clinging to that 6-point lead. Just need to step up the intensity and get the offense going again to close this out.
• Begrudging respect for Cousins for that coast-to-coast fast break, behind the back move that led to a layup.
• (6:54) 91-89. Kings on an 8-1 run and very clearly have the momentum. Starters are coming back in after the break, hopefully they can turn it back around for the Jazz.
• Just like that, the game is tied at 91.
• Jazz 1/9 shooting in the 4th. Ugh.
• 1/10.
• 1/11.
• 1/12.
• 1/13.
• (2:46) 95-96. Jazz would be out of this by now if not for Hayward getting to the free throw line. That’s where all 4 of the Jazz points since the last timeout came from. This game has gotten really ugly. Despite the horrifyingly bad shooting from the Jazz, they’re down only 1.
• 1/14.
• 1/15.
• FINALLY. Jefferson hits the Jazz’s 2nd FG of the 4th quarter with 1:40 remaining to tie the game at 97. That was some stunningly inept offense from the Jazz. I don’t know how many consecutive missed shots that was but it was a lot.
• Kings are shooting free throws as well as the Jazz are shooting field goals.
• (51.7 sec) 99-97. Harris nails a shot for back-to-back FGs from the Jazz at the perfect time. If the Jazz lose, obviously it’s because of the offense disappearing. If the Kings do, blame the free throw shooting. Both teams turning the ball over too much so that’s a wash, I suppose.
• Tyreke miss, gets own rebound.
• Burks gets hammered going for another rebound, no call. After the replay, he wasn’t hammered but it was still a foul.
• Replays are riveting, aren’t they? I don’t disagree with them being allowed in the final 2 minutes but they can’t speed this up?
• Can they call a foul from the replay? I doubt it, but I think it’s only for possession.
• Kings ball. 30 seconds left. Still 99-97.
• Thornton for 3.
• BURKS!!!!!
• (8.3 sec) 101-100. Alec Burks, the rookie, drives to the hoop for a fantastic shot! That was a prime example of that confidence I mentioned before. Fabulous answer to that Thornton 3. After the majority of the quarter was mindbogglingly dull, it’s thrilling once more.
• (4.1 sec) 101-102. Thornton again, this time a drive to the basket. Plenty of time for the Jazz since they took a timeout but, still. Nice shot.
• BIG AL JEFFERSON!!!!!!
• WOOOOOOO!!!!
• (0.9 sec) 103-102. Really? That was designed? Broadcast talking as if that was an alley oop from Harris, not a missed shot and tip in from Jefferson. Either way, fantastic play!
• Big Al Wins It
• JAZZ WIN!!! Final attempt from Thornton not even close.
• (Final) 103-102

Postgame Notes: In the past two weeks, the Jazz have learned how to finish games. After what was looking to be an easy win tonight, they overcame terrible shooting in the 4th quarter to get the win in thrilling fashion. Jefferson had a fabulous game, the winning tip in was the cherry on top. He had 26 points on 13/19 shooting, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. Derrick Favors also had 4 blocks as well as a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The other scoring leaders were Hayward (18), Harris (14), and Millsap (10). Harris (6) and Tinsley (8) combined for 14 assists. Jazz got outrebounded 45-55 and that one possession highlighted above had a lot to do with that. Because it was a road game, C.J. Miles was awful. It’s frustrating how predictable this trend is becoming. Good at home, terrible on the road. He hit his first shot, a 3, then went 0-7 after including 0-4 from 3. Corbin, in response to Miles jacking up 3s in the 4th and continuing to miss, yanked him and put Burks back in the game with 2 minutes left. Burks hit the go-ahead basket prior to Jefferson’s tip in.

For the Kings, Evans and Cousins were fantastic. Evans had 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Cousins scored 22 but it was on 9/28 shooting and pulled down 18 rebounds, 10 were offensive. Other scoring leaders for the Kings were Thompson (19) and  Thornton (16).

Despite that 4th quarter, the Jazz still shot 43/91 for 47.3% while the Kings were 43/106 for 40.6%. As I mentioned before, the free throw shooting lost the game for SAC. They shot 12/21 from the line for 57.1%. The Jazz were 14/17 (82.4%).

Any road win is a great win, this one included. It did not end how I expected it to with how the rest of the game played out but we’ll take it. For the playoffs, the Jazz are still 1/2 game back of #8 Houston and only 1.5 games back of #4 Dallas. Yes, there are 20 games left so anything is possible. One of those teams in that 4-8 bunch comes to SLC Friday night.

Next Game: DEN @ UTA. Friday, March 23, 8:30 PM MST.  TV:  ESPN, ROOT

Recap: Jazz 97 – Thunder 90

Oklahoma City Thunder (34-11) at Utah Jazz (23-22)

Pregame Notes: Jazz are coming off 3 straight close victories and have won 5 in a row at home. They’ve been playing great lately as they try to fight their way into the playoffs. It’ll be a tough task vs the team with the top record in the West, the OKC Thunder. This could be a potential playoff preview since if the Jazz do make it in, it will likely be as the #8 seed.

Jazz will be without Raja Bell, Earl Watson, and Josh Howard. Watson will be in uniform but unlikely to play while Howard will likely miss the rest of the season due to knee surgery. It’s a tough loss but will give more opportunities to guys like Alec Burks and C.J. Miles. Perhaps we could have a Demarre Carroll sighting tonight as well.

• (1st 5:21) 12-16. Westbrook has a quick 8 points, as usual. He torched the Jazz last time they played, I hope it’s not a repeat. Jazz showed good early energy but now seem like they are forcing their shots.
• Corbin is going to the bench earlier than normal tonight. Burks in for Hayward, Favors in for Jefferson.
• (1:59) 18-23. Good fight from both teams right now, it’s a defensive struggle. Have to think that favors the Jazz with the Thunder being such a potent offense.
• (End 1st) 24-25. We do get a chance to see Carroll in this game. Not often you see guys as wide open as Tinsley was for that 3 for that long. Seemed like a full 3 seconds standing there before shooting. Jazz are definitely playing better now. OKC has 4 blocks already but UTA has 3 steals. Defense on display and it’s apparent in the shooting percentages: OKC 42.1% UTA 39.1%.
• (2nd 8:34) 30-33. Strong start to the quarter but a couple of poor possessions led to the timeout. James Harden had a fabulous dunk then a great pass to set up another dunk the next time down.
• OKC has very active hands defensively this game. Enes Kanter’s ball handling in the paint needs work. Way too many dribbles. He’s 20 years old and a rookie. Plenty of time to improve…but still.
• (5:57) 36-40. This is a surprisingly scrappy game. Has a different feel than the last time OKC was here, which I also attended.
• (4:17) 44-41. That was a great 8-1 run by the Jazz! Great energy, playing great defense. The crowd is excited, my nephew is excited, I am excited.
• (2:48) 48-41. Playing fantastic! Both ends of the court! It’s a home game, therefore C.J. is playing well.
• The last 6 minutes of the 2nd quarter was some of the best basketball the Jazz have played all year. That was fantastic to watch and a lot of fun to be present for!
• (Half) 52-44.

Halftime Notes:  Props to the Jazz defense. They held the Thunder to 38.9% shooting that half and raised their own percentage to 47.8%. Fun fact: Jazz are first in the NBA with 2nd chance points. The have 11 this half. I enlisted my friend’s help for the halftime notes tonight since it was time for ice cream with my nephew.

Point leaders:
R. Westbrook has 13 points
P. Millsap has 12

S. Ibaka has 7 rebounds
D. Favors has 6

J Harden has 2 assists
D. Harris has 4

S. Ibaka has 4 blocks
D. Favors 3

Jazz are playing very good defense against an usually high scoring team. Home CJ is playing terrific, and Tinsley is making a cause to start instead of Watson with how he’s playing. He and Harris are becoming quite the 3-point shooters as well.

Jazz
C. Miles has 8 points, 3 total rebounds, and 3 steals.
P. Millsap has 12 points.
A. Jefferson has 8
J. Tinsley has 9
Love the depth of this team.

Thunder
K. Durant has 10 points and 4 total rebounds.
R. Westbrook has 13 points and 3 total rebounds.
Aside from those two (not surprising) everyone else is quiet. Ibaka is the only noticeable player with how many blocks he’s getting. Guy can hussle.

(A bit different note format for halftime but I enjoyed what he did with it so there it is. Now for the 2nd half!)

• (3rd 5:55) 67-58. Harris is on a 3 point bonanza. 3/3 already in the 3rd quarter. Jazz are keeping up the level of play they showed to close out the 2nd quarter. Looking great!
• (2:26) 71-66. OKC chipping away but Jazz still battling. This is a great game.
• (End 3rd) 76-70.
• (4th 10:15) 78-70. Good start. OKC injury, knee maybe. Couldn’t tell what happened or to who.
• Jamaal Tinsley had the play of the game. Check out this video and listen to the crowd audibly gasp. Even from the upper bowl I could see it was impressive, the replay made it more so.

Tinsley Dribble Through Legs

• (4:37) 85-80. How good is Russell Westbrook? Good enough to nail an off balance 3 as the shot clock expires. Great ball from both teams right now.
• (2:56) 87-84. Intense game. (Tough to keep lengthy notes during crunch time of a game I’m attending but here goes.)
• Under 2 min left, critical possession. Ball knocked out of bounds, looks like it’s off OKC but refs are looking at replay.
• OKC Ball.
• That was fantastic defense from Hayward on Durant for that possession! Stayed with him, had a hand in his face, forced an off balance shot.
• Paul Millsap!!! Jazz up 6!
• (1:19) 93-87.
• Miss by both teams, Jazz still up 6.
• (22.2 sec) 95-90. James Harden with a 3 for OKC, Jefferson answers with a terrific basket in the post. Home crowd is excited (including me and my nephew)!
• Durant’s attempt is blocked!  Jazz rebound! Jazz win!!!
• (Final) 97-90

Postgame Notes: What a fantastic game and a terrific win! I don’t know what Corbin is going to do with the minutes for the big men. Favors is demanding playing time with his play. He got 22 minutes tonight, he needs more than 20 a night now minimum. Strong contributions from many players tonight, I’ll highlight a few.

Millsap: 20 points, 10/16 shooting, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.

Jefferson: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block.

Favors: 7 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 blocks.

Hayward: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block.

A few more players contributed in many ways that didn’t quite fill up the stat line. Miles shot poorly but it was obvious he was playing well in other areas. Tinsley provided a nice spark from the bench. Harris had a good game and kept the Jazz rolling in the 3rd with big 3s.

The Jazz couldn’t stop Westbrook (23), Durant (18), or Harden (17) from scoring but they did limit everybody else. Even the big 3 from OKC were below their averages. Keeping Durant under 20 is impressive in my book. He was 6/22 shooting and you have to give Hayward a lot of credit for his defense, he was on Durant most of the night.

Fantastic win, keeps the Jazz .5 games back of Houston for that 8th playoff spot. Thanks to the Lakers for blowing a 12-point lead against the Rockets that would have helped the Jazz. See? Even Laker losses give you more reason to hate on them.

Next Game: UTA @ SAC. Thursday, March 22, 8:00 PM MST.  TV:  ROOT

Recap: Jazz 103 – Lakers 99

Sharing a DVR with the family can cause problems when there are many things to record at the same time. Tonight, the Jazz game was the 3rd program to record when the DVR can handle only two. Combined with my still working nights, I missed the entirety of the game. This leaves me with the only time in my life I have been, and likely ever will be, upset after the Jazz beat the Lakers. I’m firmly in bittersweet territory with the sweet pleasure of knowing the Jazz just won in the Staples Center and the bitterness of knowing that I cannot watch a minute of it. I’m too deflated to do the Twitter updates so I am going to use a strategy that would be bad for business if this blog was, in fact, a business. I’m going to direct you elsewhere.

First off, for a professional reaction to the game here is David Locke’s blog post about it. The site for his ‘Locked on Jazz’ has changed so check out the site while there. He’s always a good source for Jazz information.

Locked On Jazz

Here’s the NBA.com video highlights of the game:

Video Recap

Here is a beautiful, beautiful image.

Kobe Bryant's shot chart Sunday night vs the Jazz.

Next Game: OKC @ UTA. Tuesday, March 20, 7:00 PM MST.  TV:  ROOT

Jazz 2/3 Season Review

The Utah Jazz are at the 2/3 mark of the season, sitting at 22-22. They were in 5th place in the Western Conference at the 1/3 point of the season but are now tied for 9th place with Phoenix. With the home-heavy schedule they had to begin the year, I figured they would fall in the standings. That said, sitting at .500 and in the thick of the playoff race is above where many expected them to be this year.

It’s been fun to watch the young players develop this season and the last couple of weeks have been a showcase for Derrick Favors, especially the last two games. Alec Burks has taken a huge step forward as well. Enes Kanter continues to improve and show potential. Gordon Hayward responded to being moved to the bench by finally becoming more aggressive with his shot. He is on the court during crunch time late in the game more often than not, which is far more important than being a starter.

It’s been difficult to figure out my rooting interest in the Jazz this year. My head knows that this is still a team with a lot of potential and is a couple years, and a couple of pieces, away from contending for a title despite the flashes of brilliance they have shown at times. My heart won’t let me actively root for my team to lose in the interest of a better lottery pick to keep building the team. The way I have reconciled this for the season is to always root for the team to win but keep in the back of my head that a loss, or missing the playoffs, would not be a terrible thing.

(Note: I may come back and add more to this, I needed to get a review up before the Laker recap but I got deflated from writing any more. The recap of the game will explain why.)

Recap: Jazz 99 – Warriors 92 (OT)

Golden State Warriors (18-23) at Utah Jazz (21-22)

Pregame Notes: The Jazz didn’t make any moves before the trade deadline while the Warriors shook up their roster a bit. They dealt Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, and Kwame Brown to the Milwaukee Bucks for former Utah Ute Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson. They promptly sent Jackson to the San Antonio Spurs for a draft pick and Richard Jefferson. With Bogut injured, the Warriors lost 3 players and gained one. Plus, they’ll be missing Steph Curry tonight as well with the ankle injury that has plagued him all season. The Jazz will be missing Al Jefferson (personal reasons), Raja Bell (abductor injury) and Earl Watson (ankle).

Both teams need this game to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Jazz need the Warriors to win enough games this season to stay in the 8-10 range for the lottery…but not this game. I attended this game as well (so less frequent updates), I have a stretch of a few in a row. It was another thriller, I’m on a 3-game hot streak for thrilling finishes with Miami, Minnesota, and now Golden State.

• (1st 5:49) 11-17. 5 Jazz turnovers so far. 9 points for Klay Thompson of the Warriors. GSW is jacking up a lot of 3’s. They are 2/5 already.
• (2:45) 16-21. Jazz are really struggling offensively. Need Millsap to get going. He’s 1/5 shooting.
• (End 1st) 18-28. Nate Robinson hits a running 3 at the buzzer. A fine time to hit is 1st of the game. GSW 11/21 FG for 52.4%, UTA 7/20 for 35%. Ah, the 3 was ruled no good, was after the buzzer after all. Puts the score back to 18-25.
• (2nd 5:22) 32-40. I missed a timeout update but nothing notable happened. Jazz have made 3 shots with a foot inside the 3-point line, we can’t take that one step back to get the extra point? Jazz can’t find a rhythm. Have a 22-14 rebounding edge yet they are down 8. Shooting is at least up to 42.4% so there’s that.
• (2:33) 42-44. Jazz go on a 10-4 run to battle back. Balanced scoring from Jazz but Millsap still struggling, he’s 1/6. Both teams are at 47% shooting now.
• (Half) 46-51.

The Jazz ent cold during the final 2 minutes. Favors has 8 points, many players have 6. For the Warriors, David Lee has 14 while Klay Thompson has 11. Since Thompson had 9 after 6 minutes of the game, I think the Jazz may have figured something out with him.

29-18 RebsGSW shooting 19/39 for 48.7%, UTA is 19/45 for 42.2%. With both teams hitting 19 shots, the difference is with 3-pointers. The Warriors are 3/12 while the Jazz are 0/4. Jazz still leading the rebounding battle, 29-18.

• (3rd 2:52) 61-62. There was a timeout at 11:20 but I decided two possessions didn’t need an update. The Jazz offense tonight seems to have the following formula: No rhythm + missed passes + bad communication = out of sync. Millsap is 2/11 shooting but he’s clearly playing hard and contributing everywhere else in the game. Favors leads the Jazz with 14 points. Harris has 10. They are the only Jazz players in double figures, surprising this late in the game.
• (End 3rd) 69-65. Jazz finally go on a bit of a run. This won’t be an easy win, can they tough it out? It’s an ugly game with neither team finding an offensive groove. The shooting percentages have dipped to 43.6% for GSW and 41.2% for UTA.
• (4th 7:52) 74-69. Wow, that was a thrilling 5-4 quarter in 4 minutes of play (sarcasm). Tinsley joins the double figures with 11 points. This is certainly not pretty but hopefully Jazz can outlast the Warriors, who played last night. How about the big men rebounding for the Jazz? Kanter with 12, Favors with 9, Millsap with 8.
• (5:25) 76-78. So much for the Jazz closing this out. GSW went on a 9-2 run to retake the lead.
• (2:14) 84-84. Crowd finally gets to their feet for the first time all game. Hayward with a block on a fast break layup attempt after a Jazz turnover. Harris scrambled to get it back to Hayward who broke to the basket for a strong two handed dunk! That could be a game-changer, first truly exciting play of the game!
• (Game got intense and close so I made very quick updates when I could during crunch time.)
• Bad passing from Jazz.
• GSW FTs to tie. Made both.
• Harris jumper to tie it!
• Nate Robinson for 3…
• (32.4 sec) 84-87.
• FAVORS!!!!! AND 1!!!!
• (Those three words summed it up nicely. Very thrilling. Derrick Favors would NOT be denied. Got the ball at the free throw line and drove to the basket, slamming it home strong and even drawing a foul. He calmly hit the free throw, putting him at 9/9 for the game. What a fantastic performance from him.)
• (27.8 sec) 87-87
• GSW miss. Harris miss. OT
• (OT 3:21) 93-87. Jazz start off OT with a 6-0 run thanks to Hayward  and Favors!
• Jazz in complete control. Warriors likely ran out of gas. We got this!!!
• (Final) 99-92.

Postgame Notes:  Welcome to Derrick Favors’ Arrival. He’s been playing well the last couple of weeks but the rebounding bonanza vs the Timberwolves and the overall fantastic game tonight (23 points, 17 rebounds, 9/9 FTs) might be Favors’ coming out party in the NBA.  It’s been a lot of fun to see him develop this year. He’s not the only one. Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks, and Enes Kanter all had nice games tonight as well. Favors led the way in scoring and a few players were around 12-13 points as well.

The Jazz out rebounded the Warriors 65-40 but here’s the fun fact of the night. Favors (17), Kanter (13), and Millsap (12) out rebounded the entire Warriors team 42-40.

Both teams were in the 41% for shooting and it was an ugly game for most of it. Still, ugly wins count the same. I’m glad the Jazz kept fighting and managed to tough this one out. They played well down the stretch and Millsap came up big in overtime after struggling with his shot all game. I liked the defense from the Jazz and this was a good one to get, putting them back at .500.

I’m not sure what was up with my math earlier but this was the 2/3 mark of the season for the Jazz, they have played 44/66 games and stand at 22-22. I will do the 2/3 season recap tomorrow before the Lakers recap.

Next Game: UTA @ LAL. Sunday, March 18, 7:30 PM MST.  TV:  ROOT