AK blocks shots, makes freebies

Andrei Kirilenko thinks he plays like this every game, but some games, "I am always lively; not always you get something."

Like seven blocked shots, four in the first quarter, to perhaps put a slight bit of doubt in the minds of the giant-killing Golden State Warriors, fresh off knocking off top-seeded Dallas in the first round of NBA playoffs.

In Game 1 of the second round, the Utah Jazz played the "small ball" of the Warriors too long but still won not only the game, 116-112 just before the witching hour at EnergySolutions Arena on Monday, but they also won the fast-break points, 25-19, according to the stat sheet.

"Strange we won the fast-break points," Kirilenko said, though several of his blocks came on layup attempts.

The Jazz, he said, were still weary after playing Saturday night in Houston while Golden State last played on Thursday and had some rest, another reason Kirilenko was surprised the Jazz took the fast-break-points lead.

"We were ready for catch-a-rabbit," he said, bringing back a clever phrase he'd uttered after Monday's practice. He said it's hard for the Jazz to get used to Golden State's Energizer Bunny onslaught after the slower Rockets, and because the Warriors have played that kind of game all season and are used to it. It's a tough transition, he said.

He actually didn't know how many shots he had blocked until reporters told him after the game.

"I like it a lot," a grinning Kirilenko said, but he liked the "four points win" much more.

Utah's Russian, who's had several strong games in a row after nearly breaking down following Game 1 of the opening series against Houston because he wasn't playing enough, finished with 13 points, one short of what he had in Game 6 against the Rockets, when he had five blocks against opponents much bigger than the scurrying Warriors.

Kirilenko compiled more than half his points on 7-for-8 free-throw shooting, easily his best of the 2007 playoffs.

"Good job, Andrei," he said loudly when informed of that statistic. "I don't even remember," he admitted.

Kirilenko also had a steal and seven rebounds, the most he's had in any playoff game.

He was, however, upset he and his teammates let some rebounds get away, not being strong to hold onto them, something he said must change. Also, Kirilenko said the Jazz "let them score some easy shots right in our face," which is another thing to work on.

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E-mail: lham@desnews.com