My Take: Jazz Over Rockets

Posted by David Locke on January 28, 2008

FINAL SCORE – JAZZ 97 ROCKETS 89
Deron Williams just had as impressive a stretch as you can see out of a point guard. Deron took over the game and totally dominated the final 7 minutes. Against the #2 defense in the NBA (without Ming) the Jazz scored on the final 11 possessions of the game.

Recall earlier this year when the Jazz couldn’t execute well down the stretch.
In consecutive possessions, Deron hit Booz on a slip, drove and found AK for a dunk, then another bullett to AK, then a gorgeous pass to Booz. Then Deron did it himself with a 17 footer. Then one of the best was a far side pick and roll and Deron ripped the pass across the lane to the near side corner where Korver was ready for a dagger three.
AK came into the game with the Jazz trailing 71-70. He matched up on McGrady. McGrady still got some but he didn’t get good shots and AK disrupted him greatly.

End of 3rd Quarter — Jazz 60 Rockets 59
This was a really poor quarter by the Jazz. They never looked to have the right focus or feel.
The Rockets have completely taken Carlos Boozer out of the game. He looks uncomfortable in the post. Can’t get a good look on the outside. He is out of whack.
D-Will hit some big time and score shots to try to keep the Jazz mo.
The Rockets scored on 6 straight possessions at one point.
Adelman called on Steve Novak, a great shooter a la Matt Bullard, off the bench and he lit up the Jazz for 10 points.
McGrady kept trying to take over but doesn’t seem to have that in his game right now.
The jazz have had some simply miserable possessions in the 3rd Quarter on the offensive end.

Halftime — Jazz 41 Rockets 35
Jazz really played very well in the 2nd. Unlike the first they ran their offense and the help defense was noticeable. Milsap was fantastic around the hoop. AK made a bunch of nice plays.
Korver had an awesome outlet pass to AK, but it was the only fast break execution the Jazz had in the first half. They were awful on the fast break, turning it over and missing shots. Jazz were 0 for their first 5 fast breaks.
Okur had two big three’s that he missed that could have busted this open a bit.
McGrady is dreadful. He is 1 of 8 and all of his shots came early and could have come late in the shot clock.

End of 1st Quarter — Jazz 19 Rockets 16
Rockets are not much of an offensive team without Yao.
The jazz have made a lot of good help defensive plays
The jazz were very sloppy with the basketball. They turned it over on 4 of their first 7 possessions.
The Jazz are not running through their offense
D-Will has 2 fouls.
Jazz hit just 5 of their first 14 shots.
McGrady has taken everything from the outside and if the jazz keep that they will be fine.

Numbers
Jazz are the 3rd best offensive team against the Rockets who are the 2nd best defensive team.

Rockets are the 18th best offensive team against the 19th ranking defensive team in the Jazz.
Keys to the Game
1. Make it grind out game.
2. Get some action on the offensive glass.
3. Big games from the Big players.

Officials
Dick Bavetta, Mark Ayotte and Leon Wood

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