From Deseret News archives:
Spurs or Suns? Which is better for Jazz?
The Jazz will have their hands full, no doubt, no matter what. Either one will have the home-court advantage over Utah. Both are led by players with matching MVP trophies on their respective mantles. The Jazz will be seriously lacking in the playoff experience department against either foe.
One team has the best offense in the NBA, averaging 110.2 points per game in the regular season. The other surrendered a league-low 90.1 points and has the top two vote-getters on the NBA's 2006-07 All-Defensive Team.
Here's a quick look at how the Jazz match up against the Spurs and Suns in five categories: recent history, frontline, backcourt, bench play and style of play.
If the Jazz play the Spurs, they'll have to win at least one game in Texas to advance. Then again, this is a new, better Jazz team than in the recent past and Utah won both games in Salt Lake City against the Spurs this season.
The Jazz actually beat the Suns 3-1 in the regular season series this season — and the lone loss was late in the year when Utah was struggling and dealing with injuries.
Better for Utah based on recent history: Phoenix
FRONTLINE — Tim Duncan is a force on both ends of the court. The two-time MVP was selected to the league's All-Defensive Team for the 10th time this season. But he also gets the job done on offense. He averaged 20 points on 55 percent shooting during the regular season and is averaging 23.4 points during the playoffs. He has proven to be a tough matchup for Jazz star Carlos Boozer.
Michael Finley has been starting at forward during the playoffs and has given the team a nice scoring punch. Utah center Mehmet Okur should have an advantage on either young center the Spurs go with, Fabricio Oberto or Francisco Elson.
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Utah forward Matt Harpring (15) pumps his fist during a Jazz-Suns game.
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