Jazz Bring It For Game Four

Posted by James Seaman on April 25, 2009

Game Fours are always dangerous, especially when they come on the heels of an apparent Game Three awakening. Thus far, the Utah Jazz’s First Round series with the Los Angeles Lakers has followed a pattern typical of many such playoff match-ups: the Lakers, heavily favored, took care of business in the first two contests at home. Shifting back to Salt Lake City, the Jazz used the home crowd and a sense of desperation to lift themselves to victory. If an underdog is going to steal a game in a seemingly lopsided series, Game Three usually offers the best opportunity. Game Four is often when temporarily restored hopes come crashing back to Earth. As is often the case, Saturday will determine whether this becomes a relatively short series (five games) or a long one (six or seven).

Utah found itself in the same position last year and managed to win an overtime thriller in Game Four, thus sending the series back to Los Angeles tied. In the 1997 NBA Finals, the Jazz pounded the Chicago Bulls in Game Three after dropping the first two. Game Four turned into a grudge match, a defensive scrum, a brawl, one the Jazz pulled out in gut-wrenching fashion to tie the series. Just as often, the Jazz have found themselves on the other end, losing would-be series-tying Game Fours at home to San Antonio in 2007, Seattle in 1996, and Houston in 1994. Granted, the Jazz have won Game Fives on the road when trailing 3-1 (Chicago in 1998 and the aforementioned Seattle series in 1996). But even the most optimistic fan would agree that if the Jazz lose on Saturday, their goose is all but cooked.

Looking toward the critical match-up, the Jazz desperately need a stronger performance from Deron Williams. D-Will carried Utah in Game Two but without much help from his teammates. He needs to come out with that proverbial chip on his shoulder. Carlos Boozer, who looked like a bull in a china shop on Thursday night, needs to maintain that ferocious intensity. I liked hearing from the TNT analysts that Boozer had guaranteed victory earlier in the day—it shows he is determined to regain the leadership mantle he assumed during Utah’s 2007 postseason run. Remember the way Booz destroyed Houston in Game Seven on the road? Hopefully, that beast is back.

One thing the Jazz can’t count on is Kobe Bryant stinking up the gym again. Ronnie Brewer put forth a Herculean effort defending L.A.’s all-everything guard—something he must repeat—but no one in their right mind doubts that Kobe will come out focused and angry in Game Four. While Brewer has his hands full, Boozer and Paul Millsap—undersized in their match-ups against Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum—must push those giants out away from the basket. Boozer is strong enough to do just that. Against Bynum, however, the Jazz face a significant size deficit. Utah may have been saved by Bynum’s foul problems in Game Three, but they can’t necessarily count on the same thing in Game Four. Still, Utah must aggressively go after Bynum when they have the ball, taking it to the basket and putting pressure on the officials to make calls. In the case of Bynum, the Jazz’s best defense may be a good offense.

The Jazz could also really use a Mehmet Okur appearance in Game Four in order to strengthen their offensive attack, fortify their front court, and bolster their spirits in a series that still feels sort of like an outmanned army holding out at the Alamo. The Jazz need all the guns they can muster tonight if they plan to send this series back to Los Angeles in a dead heat.

2 Comments

J R Stewart on April 25, 2009 said:

Sounds like Memo will be back.

MONEY!!!!

Jazzaholic

JayD on April 25, 2009 said:

Actualy James , I heard that Phil was probably going to go with Odem instead of Bynum . That will definately change some things in our defense . I do agree with the fact that as well as Brewer did the other night against Kobe , I dont expect Kobe to play as bad tonight . I think that we just need to step up our defense the whole way , with intensity and urgencey . Thus leaving the rest to our fans support to keep them feeling confindent . We cannot have our gaurd brought down for even a few plays . I think that the Lakers are going to come ready to play tonight .
I feel that they are starting to get that team spirit back , so lets support them tonight .
Go Jazz , I still believe in you all . !!!!!

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