As it turned out, the Jazz were both. They got contributions from numerous players and rolled, appearing ready to lock it up early. In the mid-second quarter they had a 19-point lead. But Houston is nothing if not determined. By the time the half was closing in, the Jazz lead had shrunk to one.

So much for the quick knockout.

Much of this was due to Houston's heart and hustle. Or maybe it had something to do with the fan who unveiled the premature sign in the second quarter that said, "Beat L.A."

Down on the court, the Jazz had something more immediate to worry about. Tracy McGrady went for 28 points in the first half. But in the second half, two things happened to advance the Jazz. First, the Rockets came out without Rafer Alston, whose ankle injury sidelined him for the rest of the game. And second, Williams made four third-quarter treys to build the lead back.

That's been the Jazz's situation all year. They can look great, as they did in an 18-point win in Boston, or they can be extremely beatable, as they were in two losses to Minnesota. They can appear to have too much depth for opponents or not enough for themselves.

But Friday they were at home, where for the most part they've been indestructible. That's the thing about being home: It always has the the mirror that makes you look best.

The next series may could be physical and earthbound, the way the Jazz-Houston series has been. But it will be different, too. Because when you're playing the Rockets, you're playing a team. When you're playing L.A., you're in the the movies.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com