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Jazz v Spurs: Game 1 Video Preview

Spencer Hall — April 29, 2012 — Leave a comment

2011-2012 Utah Jazz Medley from shandon's fan on Vimeo.

All you need to get ready for Game 1 is this spectacular video by @shandonfan.

If you want more, here’s a great look at the 1994 Jazz/Spurs series by @jjsportsbeat.

If you’d like statistical breakdowns, you’ll have to use this post by @hickoryhigh and @ayoitsjordan.

Here are my quick thoughts before tip-off:

1. Is Utah’s best option to play the lineup with Paul Millsap at the 3 heavy minutes?
Millsap at the 3 would seem to be the lineup the Jazz should always use, due to Favors/Harris/Hayward/Millsap/Jefferson being the most effective lineup this season. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons (including Millsap’s own insistence on playing the 4) the Jazz will likely only use it as a change up later in games.

2. Does a well-rested Duncan, Parker and Ginobili give Utah any shot in Game 1?
Any team in the NBA can beat another on a given night–or in this case, early afternoon. The Jazz will have their hands full, but the odd start time and the time off actually offer an opportunity for the Jazz to steal a game. It isn’t likely, but the Jazz definitely have a shot.

3. Will the Jazz steal one of the two games in San Antonio?
I’m predicting the Jazz steal one of these first two games. I’ve gone on the record predicting a six-game series, so the Jazz need to do me a favor and shock the world between now and next Wednesday night. I was impressed with the lack of intimidation I heard from from the Jazz players at practice on Saturday. They don’t feel like it’s an impossible task and seem determined to push the Spurs to the limit. They may not win the series, but the up-and-coming Jazz will leave their mark.

In Utah Jazz Game 1, Playoffs, Round 1, San Antonio Spurs

Jazz 96 – Blazers 94: A Nice End to the Regular Season

Spencer Hall — April 26, 2012 — Leave a comment

With the playoff bid all wrapped up, the Jazz took the opportunity to play their JV team big minutes. The most important moment of the night, however, took place even before the opening tip. Enes Kanter took the mic and, well, just watch the video above and enjoy.

First Round Schedule

Game	Date	Time (MT)	Location	TV
1	Sun, April 29	11 a.m.	San Antonio	ROOT Sports (E)
2	Wed, May 2	5 p.m.	San Antonio	ROOT Sports (T)
3	Sat, May 5	8 p.m.	Salt Lake City	ROOT Sports (T)
4	Mon, May 7	TBD	Salt Lake City	TBD
5*	Wed, May 9	TBD	San Antonio	TBD
6*	Fri, May 11	TBD	Salt Lake City	TBD
7*	Sun, May 13	TBD	San Antonio	TBD

In Utah Jazz Portland Trailblazers

The greatest video in the history of hot tub videos featuring John Stockton

Spencer Hall — April 24, 2012 — Leave a comment

Today at shootaround before tonight’s epic Jazz matchup with the Phoenix Suns, I had a conversation with KSL sports anchor Jeremiah Jenson. At some point, Jeremiah casually mentioned that he’d recently found a video in the KSL archives featuring John Stockton talking to then-KSL reporter Jim Nantz. If JJ hadn’t agreed to post the video, I might have rushed the KSL building to post it myself.

There are so many amazing things about this clip. The rookie John Stockton is remarkably upbeat and friendly, especially considering the Jazz lost at home the night before in Game 4 of the first round of 1985 Playoffs against the Houston Rockets. Fortunately the Jazz won the deciding Game 5 the next night on the road in Houston.

Also, Pace Mannion in his pre-analyst role is rocking a mustache and mullet that would be the best in any hot tub, if it weren’t for the presence of All-Stache candidate Rich Kelley. On the other side of the jacuzzi is Bobby Hansen, showing the bravado that eventually led him to get punched by teammate Bart Kofoed.

Lastly, the participatory journalism of a young Jim Nantz is stunning in comparison to his staid personality as host of the Tradition Unlike Any Other at the Masters. Definitely a different era. Also, can you imagine that hot tub scene happening if Jerry Sloan were the head coach?

Regardless, this clip is absolute gold.

In Utah Jazz Bobby Hansen, Hot Tubs, Jim Nantz, John Stockton, Journalism, Pace Mannion, Rich Kelley

Introducing the KFAN Salt City Hoops Show

Spencer Hall — April 20, 2012 — Leave a comment

I’m excited to announce the launch of the KFAN Salt City Hoops Show, which will debut live on the 1320 KFAN airwaves starting this Saturday at 11am. You can listen at 1320 AM or online at http://1320kfan.com/ The show will also be available as a podcast and on iTunes. The show will involve a lot of you in the online community, so shout at me on twitter or drop us a line at saltcityhoops [at] gmail dot com with your best. There will be plenty of great stuff to share.

Thanks in advance for listening! It’s going to be fun.

In other news, I made a little TV guest appearance on KUTV’s Talkin’ Sports the other night after the Jazz beat the Blazers in Portland. Check it out if you like. I’m not entirely sure what I was talking about most of the time, but it all made sense in my mind.

In Utah Jazz

Jazz 123 – Mavs 121: The Triple Overtime Wet Willy Game

Spencer Hall — April 17, 2012 — Leave a comment

Photo by @drhadfield, grabbed from the Root Sports broadcast.

Games like this are the reason I love professional basketball. Could I interest you in a German-speaking giraffe that can play basketball? How about a slightly unhinged ginger who gives wet willies to his opponents? Perhaps a masochistic head coach who plays his starters nearly the entirety of seven periods of basketball over three hours and sixteen minutes? How about a stat line from Al Jefferson that includes 28 points, 26 rebounds, and ZERO free throw attempts?

If you’re into it, I can also throw in a midseason pickup who plays 45 minutes and scores 15 points despite getting a root canal earlier in the day. Here’s what DeMarre Carroll was doing just a few hours before the game:

Watch the clip of Delonte West giving Gordon Hayward a wet willie.

Here’s ESPN Dallas’ Jeff Caplan (@ESPN_Caplan) with my Delonte West interview after the game. I’m the reporter he mentions.

And here’s what I had to say on ESPN.com about this epic three-overtime instant classic.

Dallas Mavericks

121

FinalRecap | Box Score

123

Utah Jazz

	Paul Millsap, PF 53 MIN \| 5-18 FG \| 6-8 FT \| 9 REB \| 6 AST \| 16 PTS \| -5
	DeMarre Carroll, F 45 MIN \| 5-10 FG \| 4-4 FT \| 4 REB \| 6 AST \| 15 PTS \| 0
	Al Jefferson, C 54 MIN \| 14-25 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 26 REB \| 1 AST \| 28 PTS \| +9
	Devin Harris, PG 53 MIN \| 8-17 FG \| 2-5 FT \| 1 REB \| 7 AST \| 23 PTS \| -3
	Gordon Hayward, SG 54 MIN \| 6-14 FG \| 8-10 FT \| 4 REB \| 5 AST \| 24 PTS \| +5

In Utah Jazz Dallas Mavericks

Jazz 91 – Spurs 84: The Devin Harris Game ft guest appearances by John Stockton and Greg Ostertag

Spencer Hall — April 10, 2012 — 1 Comment

Utah Jazz

Final
Recap | Box Score

San Antonio Spurs

Here’s referee Ken Mauer in beach clothes but same hair at a Summer League game in 2007:

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All videos by memoismoney / Root Sports / @prodigyjf

In Utah Jazz San Antonio Spurs

Jazz 105 – Suns 107

Spencer Hall — April 5, 2012 — Leave a comment

This game was just a punch in the stomach. It really felt like every shot the Suns put up was going in, but somehow the Jazz kept finding ways to claw back into it. Until this:

Now, I don’t have a problem with the twice-surgically-repaired legs of Michael Redd shooting the lights out, but I do have a problem with clock-beating heaves becoming the difference in the game. It hurts, especially this late in the season.

The Suns now sit in ninth place in the West, a half game ahead of the Jazz. I thought the presence of both David Stern and Karl Malone in attendence would be an auspicious omen for the Jazz, but it was not to be. Instead, the only good thing that came out of the game was this picture:

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As usual, the great game clips are by memoismoney / @prodigyjf

In NBA, Utah Jazz Phoenix Suns

Jazz 102 – Trail Blazers 97

Evan Hall — April 2, 2012 — Leave a comment

Utah Jazz

102

Final
Recap | Box Score

Portland Trail Blazers

	Paul Millsap, PF 34 MIN \| 14-20 FG \| 3-3 FT \| 11 REB \| 0 AST \| 31 PTS \| +13 Paul Millsap was the best player on the floor tonight: 70% shooting and two crucial dunks down the stretch (both of which showed off Millsap’s apt sense for off-the-ball movement). Ty Corbin’s decision to play Paul at the three and go big was nothing short of unadulterated basketball genius. Millsap abused Matthews and Batum all night long.
	Al Jefferson, C 39 MIN \| 6-17 FG \| 1-1 FT \| 10 REB \| 3 AST \| 13 PTS \| +5 Bad shooting aside, it was refreshing to see Big Al understand his role late in the game. He hit one big shot and then allowed his more open hotter teammates to do the rest.
	Devin Harris, PG 14 MIN \| 3-7 FG \| 3-3 FT \| 0 REB \| 4 AST \| 9 PTS \| -6 The Jazz desperately need a healthy Harris to make this playoff run, so Harris’s sprained ankle is by far the most notable thing about his night.
	Gordon Hayward, SG 40 MIN \| 6-12 FG \| 5-6 FT \| 2 REB \| 0 AST \| 20 PTS \| +5 Tonight’s Hayward was more Butler-Hayward than Kirilenko-Hayward. No assists and only two rebounds, but very timely and effective scoring. The Jazz needed a second scoring option with Harris injured, C.J. Miles MIA, and Al Jefferson shooting miserably, and Hayward was that option.
	Jamaal Tinsley, PG 18 MIN \| 1-4 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 1 REB \| 6 AST \| 3 PTS \| +15 In a season that has had Jazz fans clamoring for more playing time for the younger players, Tinsley has shown the value of veteran presence on the floor. He makes smart plays (like pressuring Felton to get that game-winning steal), doesn’t get rattled in the clutch, and always plays calmly. Also, his sharpshooting from three has been a refreshing luxury.
	Earl Watson, PG 17 MIN \| 0-5 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 1 REB \| 3 AST \| 0 PTS \| -4 Just a dreadful night for Earl Watson. Since his return from injury, he has looked mentally affected by Tinsley’s great play. If Harris’s is out for any significant number of games, sheer duty and necessity should rejuvenate Earl.
	DeMarre Carroll, F 4 MIN \| 0-0 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 0 REB \| 0 AST \| 0 PTS \| 0 At the rate he was stealing the ball, DeMarre Carroll could have finished this game with 24 steals. 24 steals! Get this man some Cafe Rio!
	Derrick Favors, FC 35 MIN \| 5-7 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 11 REB \| 2 AST \| 11 PTS \| +6 I truly loved Derrick Favors fourth-quarter dunk, but my favorite Favors play from this game was his ferocious rebound and putback off of Burks’ missed free throw. Still, both of those plays essentially told us the same thing: Derrick Favors is going to be really good.
	Alec Burks, G 21 MIN \| 2-8 FG \| 2-5 FT \| 2 REB \| 5 AST \| 6 PTS \| +3 Dreadful shooting night for Burks (even from the free throw line), but his assist to a cutting Millsap was a great decision, a pinpoint pass, and the greatest Jazz moment of the last week.

Reveal Yourself!

In Utah Jazz

Jazz 105 – Nets 84

Evan Hall — March 26, 2012 — 1 Comment

Utah Jazz

105

Final
Recap | Box Score

New Jersey Nets

	Paul Millsap, PF 33 MIN \| 10-14 FG \| 3-3 FT \| 13 REB \| 3 AST \| 24 PTS \| +27 Millsap put on a clinic for off-ball movement tonight. He was finding lanes and was an easy target for Harris all night long. Millsap is an expert at finding points within the offense, which is the primary reason he could shoot 10-14 tonight.
	C.J. Miles, SF 21 MIN \| 3-7 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 3 REB \| 2 AST \| 10 PTS \| +18 In just 21 minutes, C.J. was efficient and selective with his shots. Only seven shots in 21 minutes may represent a shift to a more cerebral style of play for C.J.
	Al Jefferson, C 32 MIN \| 9-14 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 8 REB \| 3 AST \| 19 PTS \| +25 Quiet night for Jefferson, but that’s usually a good thing for the Jazz. Tonight was a perfect example of Jefferson understanding his role. He limited his jump shots, he kept the ball moving, made his moves quickly, and passed out of double teams.
	Devin Harris, PG 30 MIN \| 3-9 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 4 REB \| 11 AST \| 9 PTS \| +33 Harris channeled his inner-Stockton in honor of the Hall of Famer’s 50th birthday: double digit assists in only 30 minutes and a great defensive performance on Deron Williams. Harris forced D-Will to become a perimeter shooter and thereby negated Williams’ size and strength advantage.
	Gordon Hayward, SG 24 MIN \| 3-8 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 1 REB \| 2 AST \| 7 PTS \| +1 Hayward didn’t shoot particularly well (ice-cold from three), and his normal energy wasn’t there. This is to be expected a night after playing a team-high 57 minutes in Atlanta.
	Earl Watson, PG 18 MIN \| 1-2 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 2 REB \| 3 AST \| 2 PTS \| -12 Earl Watson looked rusty and out of sorts all game long. In fact, almost immediately after Harris came back in for Watson early in the fourth quarter, the Jazz stopped New Jersey’s run and extended the lead back out to ten. If nothing else, Corbin has to be considering giving more minutes to Tinsley.
	DeMarre Carroll, F 19 MIN \| 3-5 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 5 REB \| 1 AST \| 7 PTS \| +7 For a stretch in the second quarter, DeMarre Carroll looked like the only player on the floor who cared. He grabbed 5 boards on pure energy and even showed off a nice shooting stroke from the outside.
	Jeremy Evans, SF 3 MIN \| 1-1 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 0 REB \| 0 AST \| 2 PTS \| +1 It was long after the game had been decided, but Evans’ one-handed flush off of Earl Watson’s dunk was one of the only breathtaking plays of the game.
	Derrick Favors, FC 18 MIN \| 2-7 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 5 REB \| 1 AST \| 4 PTS \| -8 It’s become increasingly clear that Favors is meant for a larger portion of minutes. Favors needs time to get involved in the offense and assert himself on the boards, but on a night where Millsap was playing that well, it’s hard to fault Corbin for riding Millsap. That said, how about Favors’ putback dunk in traffic?
	Alec Burks, G 31 MIN \| 5-11 FG \| 5-5 FT \| 5 REB \| 2 AST \| 15 PTS \| +13 Alec Burks makes buckets that maybe 10 other players in the NBA could make. Tonight, Burks had at least two of those plays, as well as some solid rebounding from the wing. He also definitively outplayed one of his rookie shooting guard counterparts in MarShon Brooks.

Reveal yourself!

In Utah Jazz New Jersey Nets

Happy 50th Birthday to John Stockton

Spencer Hall — March 26, 2012 — Leave a comment

In honor of John Stockton‘s 50th birthday, let’s relive some of the greatness:

In Utah Jazz John Stockton

	Paul Millsap, PF 53 MIN \| 5-18 FG \| 6-8 FT \| 9 REB \| 6 AST \| 16 PTS \| -5
	DeMarre Carroll, F 45 MIN \| 5-10 FG \| 4-4 FT \| 4 REB \| 6 AST \| 15 PTS \| 0
	Al Jefferson, C 54 MIN \| 14-25 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 26 REB \| 1 AST \| 28 PTS \| +9
	Devin Harris, PG 53 MIN \| 8-17 FG \| 2-5 FT \| 1 REB \| 7 AST \| 23 PTS \| -3
	Gordon Hayward, SG 54 MIN \| 6-14 FG \| 8-10 FT \| 4 REB \| 5 AST \| 24 PTS \| +5

	Paul Millsap, PF 34 MIN \| 14-20 FG \| 3-3 FT \| 11 REB \| 0 AST \| 31 PTS \| +13 Paul Millsap was the best player on the floor tonight: 70% shooting and two crucial dunks down the stretch (both of which showed off Millsap’s apt sense for off-the-ball movement). Ty Corbin’s decision to play Paul at the three and go big was nothing short of unadulterated basketball genius. Millsap abused Matthews and Batum all night long.
	Al Jefferson, C 39 MIN \| 6-17 FG \| 1-1 FT \| 10 REB \| 3 AST \| 13 PTS \| +5 Bad shooting aside, it was refreshing to see Big Al understand his role late in the game. He hit one big shot and then allowed his more open hotter teammates to do the rest.
	Devin Harris, PG 14 MIN \| 3-7 FG \| 3-3 FT \| 0 REB \| 4 AST \| 9 PTS \| -6 The Jazz desperately need a healthy Harris to make this playoff run, so Harris’s sprained ankle is by far the most notable thing about his night.
	Gordon Hayward, SG 40 MIN \| 6-12 FG \| 5-6 FT \| 2 REB \| 0 AST \| 20 PTS \| +5 Tonight’s Hayward was more Butler-Hayward than Kirilenko-Hayward. No assists and only two rebounds, but very timely and effective scoring. The Jazz needed a second scoring option with Harris injured, C.J. Miles MIA, and Al Jefferson shooting miserably, and Hayward was that option.
	Jamaal Tinsley, PG 18 MIN \| 1-4 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 1 REB \| 6 AST \| 3 PTS \| +15 In a season that has had Jazz fans clamoring for more playing time for the younger players, Tinsley has shown the value of veteran presence on the floor. He makes smart plays (like pressuring Felton to get that game-winning steal), doesn’t get rattled in the clutch, and always plays calmly. Also, his sharpshooting from three has been a refreshing luxury.
	Earl Watson, PG 17 MIN \| 0-5 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 1 REB \| 3 AST \| 0 PTS \| -4 Just a dreadful night for Earl Watson. Since his return from injury, he has looked mentally affected by Tinsley’s great play. If Harris’s is out for any significant number of games, sheer duty and necessity should rejuvenate Earl.
	DeMarre Carroll, F 4 MIN \| 0-0 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 0 REB \| 0 AST \| 0 PTS \| 0 At the rate he was stealing the ball, DeMarre Carroll could have finished this game with 24 steals. 24 steals! Get this man some Cafe Rio!
	Derrick Favors, FC 35 MIN \| 5-7 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 11 REB \| 2 AST \| 11 PTS \| +6 I truly loved Derrick Favors fourth-quarter dunk, but my favorite Favors play from this game was his ferocious rebound and putback off of Burks’ missed free throw. Still, both of those plays essentially told us the same thing: Derrick Favors is going to be really good.
	Alec Burks, G 21 MIN \| 2-8 FG \| 2-5 FT \| 2 REB \| 5 AST \| 6 PTS \| +3 Dreadful shooting night for Burks (even from the free throw line), but his assist to a cutting Millsap was a great decision, a pinpoint pass, and the greatest Jazz moment of the last week.

	Paul Millsap, PF 33 MIN \| 10-14 FG \| 3-3 FT \| 13 REB \| 3 AST \| 24 PTS \| +27 Millsap put on a clinic for off-ball movement tonight. He was finding lanes and was an easy target for Harris all night long. Millsap is an expert at finding points within the offense, which is the primary reason he could shoot 10-14 tonight.
	C.J. Miles, SF 21 MIN \| 3-7 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 3 REB \| 2 AST \| 10 PTS \| +18 In just 21 minutes, C.J. was efficient and selective with his shots. Only seven shots in 21 minutes may represent a shift to a more cerebral style of play for C.J.
	Al Jefferson, C 32 MIN \| 9-14 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 8 REB \| 3 AST \| 19 PTS \| +25 Quiet night for Jefferson, but that’s usually a good thing for the Jazz. Tonight was a perfect example of Jefferson understanding his role. He limited his jump shots, he kept the ball moving, made his moves quickly, and passed out of double teams.
	Devin Harris, PG 30 MIN \| 3-9 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 4 REB \| 11 AST \| 9 PTS \| +33 Harris channeled his inner-Stockton in honor of the Hall of Famer’s 50th birthday: double digit assists in only 30 minutes and a great defensive performance on Deron Williams. Harris forced D-Will to become a perimeter shooter and thereby negated Williams’ size and strength advantage.
	Gordon Hayward, SG 24 MIN \| 3-8 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 1 REB \| 2 AST \| 7 PTS \| +1 Hayward didn’t shoot particularly well (ice-cold from three), and his normal energy wasn’t there. This is to be expected a night after playing a team-high 57 minutes in Atlanta.
	Earl Watson, PG 18 MIN \| 1-2 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 2 REB \| 3 AST \| 2 PTS \| -12 Earl Watson looked rusty and out of sorts all game long. In fact, almost immediately after Harris came back in for Watson early in the fourth quarter, the Jazz stopped New Jersey’s run and extended the lead back out to ten. If nothing else, Corbin has to be considering giving more minutes to Tinsley.
	DeMarre Carroll, F 19 MIN \| 3-5 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 5 REB \| 1 AST \| 7 PTS \| +7 For a stretch in the second quarter, DeMarre Carroll looked like the only player on the floor who cared. He grabbed 5 boards on pure energy and even showed off a nice shooting stroke from the outside.
	Jeremy Evans, SF 3 MIN \| 1-1 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 0 REB \| 0 AST \| 2 PTS \| +1 It was long after the game had been decided, but Evans’ one-handed flush off of Earl Watson’s dunk was one of the only breathtaking plays of the game.
	Derrick Favors, FC 18 MIN \| 2-7 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 5 REB \| 1 AST \| 4 PTS \| -8 It’s become increasingly clear that Favors is meant for a larger portion of minutes. Favors needs time to get involved in the offense and assert himself on the boards, but on a night where Millsap was playing that well, it’s hard to fault Corbin for riding Millsap. That said, how about Favors’ putback dunk in traffic?
	Alec Burks, G 31 MIN \| 5-11 FG \| 5-5 FT \| 5 REB \| 2 AST \| 15 PTS \| +13 Alec Burks makes buckets that maybe 10 other players in the NBA could make. Tonight, Burks had at least two of those plays, as well as some solid rebounding from the wing. He also definitively outplayed one of his rookie shooting guard counterparts in MarShon Brooks.