Jazz-Rockets series is not over just yet

HOUSTON — Now that the Jazz are up 3-1 in the playoffs, all that remains between them and the second round is a single win, which logically should be like taking candy from a child, or Rick Adelman, whichever whines more.

But that doesn't mean the Jazz should slip into cruise control for tonight's game against Houston. Not by a long shot. They've proven their vulnerability by going down to the final seconds in both games in Salt Lake. In fact, they have a fairly extensive list of issues they need to correct in order to become Kobe-worthy.

For instance:

0-for-14 on 3-pointers: Their deplorable long-range shooting in Game 4 should be a sobering reminder the Rockets could still win this series. Back-to-back treys in the final minute cut Utah's lead to two, Saturday. Meanwhile, the Jazz spent the night ricocheting shots off the fixtures.

The best 3-point shooting team in Jazz history is suddenly misfiring like Dick Cheney on a quail hunt.

Coach Jerry Sloan, never a huge proponent of the long ball, says he actually likes 3-pointers — as long as they go in, which is like saying you like chocolate as long as it doesn't make you fat.

After Saturday's showing, the Jazz might do well to adopt this simple rule of thumb: Attempt no shot from farther than they can spit.

Deron Williams' hiccups: Yes, yes, the man rarely screws up. Which is why Jazz fans were so shocked at two problems at ES Arena last week. In Game 3, he had the ball with 10 seconds remaining and the Jazz down by two. But instead of passing to an open Carlos Boozer for the dunk, Williams tried a baseline jumper that was blocked.

Then in Game 4, he stiff-armed two free throws with seven seconds remaining and the Jazz up by two. It looked like rigor mortis had suddenly attacked his elbow.

While it's true the Jazz have to like their chances if D-Will has the ball in the closing seconds of any close game, he's not perfect.

To his credit, he's up front about his fallibility. After Mehmet Okur snagged the rebound following Williams' misses, then made two free throws, Williams observed: "He saved my butt. I owe him something — buy him a car or something."

Here's a suggestion for the best non-All-Star in the NBA: Do what Boozer did. Go back to the gym and take a hundred extra practice shots.