From Deseret News archives:
Staples Center remains house of horrors for Utah Jazz
"It's one of the toughest buildings for us," he said. "San Antonio is the other one.
"I don't know why we have trouble playing here."
Kirilenko and his Utah Jazz teammates would like one more shot at figuring it out.
As Lakers coach Phil Jackson would put it, the Lakers "held serve" in Staples Center, recording a 111-104 victory Wednesday night. The Western Conference semifinals series returns to Salt Lake City with the Jazz trailing 3-2 in games.
The home team has won every game in the series and a startling 19 of 20 in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
The Jazz will need to solve the road conundrum in Game 7. If they can get there.
"Successful teams, you find a way to win one on the road," Ronnie Brewer said before the game. "We found a way to do it in Houston" in Game 7 last year.
But not, so far, in Staples, where the Jazz is 3-17 all-time.
"We can't beat them in L.A. right now," Kirilenko said.
Matt Harpring said it isn't a matter of not believing.
Staples Center is not a noisy venue, certainly not by EngerySolutions Arena standards. Fans here aren't angry or abusive, barely managing a quorum to mumble "Utah sucks!" once or twice during Game 5.
Is Utah blinded by Los Angeles star power?
Denzel Washington, Tobey Maguire and Jack Nicholson have been regulars at courtside. Andy Garcia and David Beckham were in the crowd Wednesday night. As was Heather Locklear.
Kirilenko said the Jazzmen don't get caught looking in the stands.
"I'm not star-struck," he said. "I know most of the faces but I don't know all of the names. I'm Russian."
"A crowd is a crowd," Brewer said. "You have to block them out."
Ronnie Price conceded it "was cool" to see Washington at courtside. "All those people from the movies, to see them ... "
Had he talked to them?
"Oh, no," he said. "That's not my business."
He has seen enough, though, to make an observation. "All those people ... they're shorter than you think they are."
Kirilenko suggested the Lakers' glam fans are more than just pretty faces.
"The celebrities can affect the game," he said. "Some of them cheering can spark the home team. The crowd sees the celebrities cheering and it gives them more energy."
Or it could just be that visitors are having trouble winning anywhere, this spring.
Recent comments
Face it.
Some teams know how to get the right players and the...
Jazzsmack | May 15, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.
Yeah The NBA wants LA to win. Thats why the Ref's didnt call the goal...
Youknow | May 15, 2008 at 4:14 p.m.
Laker Fans = celebrating our 9 championships
Jazz Fans = spending...
rizzo | May 15, 2008 at 3:39 p.m.
- Sen. Dems at odds over health bill 1:17 p.m.
- Arrest in suspected child abuse 1:13 p.m.
- Mammogram guidelines spark debate 12:57 p.m.
- Man dies after SUV backs over him 12:39 p.m.
- At 6-5, hard time arguing firing Weis 12:24 p.m.
- $27M transfer for state Route 193 12:20 p.m.
- 'Christmas With King Family' DVD 12:16 p.m.
- Youn men help fill food-pantry needs 12:15 p.m.
- Who is Oprah's heir apparent? 11:39 a.m.
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25 11:34 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
194 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
173 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
166 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
122 - BYU records with win
116 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
Real Salt Lake fans have watched first hand the evolution of Jason Kreis...
Reading the letter, I am not sure that it is eating that is the sin, but...
The media that Sarah criticizes so much is the same force that is providing...
We'll be back next year. I know it, and I hope that all of our coaches and...
This year TCU has proven to the world how weak the MWC is (MWC=WAC). BYU and...
I have no problem with religious people voting their conscience. I do,...
I have to agree that the comment about "the pesky seniors" is uncalled...
I was in my Latin class in High School in California. Our teacher hadn't...
Glenn Beck is Oprah's heir apparent since he has a larger following and can...
of atheism just as morally equal to spreading the Gospel of Christianity. To...
Yes, 40% of doctors polled said they will definitely or seriously consider...


