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Dick Harmon: Utah Jazz: Inside the mind of a Rocket fan
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True Blue Jazz-Fan | 2:18 a.m. April 24, 2008
The offensive foul on Kirilenko may have looked like a flop to Houston, but the
Houston player definitely pushed him out of the way. And even if it HAD been a
flop, it would still have been payback for the offensive foul on Deron when he
got shoved to the floor and had to leave the game for a few minutes. Sounds
like Houston sour grapes to me.
Anonymous | 2:42 a.m. April 24, 2008
If I wasn't a hard core Jazz fan, I'm pretty sure I would hate us too.
It isn't fair to single out Utah for flopping. It's just part of the
NBA.
Major Tom | 5:16 a.m. April 24, 2008
DH, please remind your son-in-law, whenever he lapses into the tired argument
that the Rockets have won two titles and the Jazz none, that the Rockets never
had to play MJ and the Bulls to win those titles. I seem to recall that NO team
beat MJ and the Bulls in an NBA Finals, thus the Jazz faced a much more daunting
task than the Rockettes did playing the Magic. Tell him too that Olajuwon and
Barkley were two of the games' finest floppers and vicious pick setters.
Screens and physical positioning are fundamentals of basketball, but only fans
of a team that loses to a fundamentally sound team complain of "dirty
tactics." We will forgive your grandchildren for their Jazz-hatred. After
all, like the Lamanites, such hatred results from the foolish traditions of
their father, which were not correct! ;)
Comments continue below
lamonte | 5:51 a.m. April 24, 2008
Dick - you could make an anonymous call to the authorities in Texas and....well
maybe that's not such a good idea. You'll just have hope and pray
that when your grandkids get old enough they will see the errors in their
father's ways.
One-way rivalry | 5:54 a.m. April 24, 2008
If Houston fans feel that strongly about the Jazz as rivals, it's a one-way
rivalry. Unless they're playing the Jazz, I don't really think about
the Rockets, aside from the fact that the Jazz own them.
The Jazz's biggest rival is in Texas, but they wear black, not red.
GO JAZZ!
The Jazz's biggest rival is in Texas, but they wear black, not red.
GO JAZZ!
Jazz Fan | 6:27 a.m. April 24, 2008
Maybe Houston fans (and those of every NBA team) should take a closer look at
their own players before bad-mouthing Jazz players. Ak's flop didn't
lose the game, Houston lost the game. Every team has floppers and actors on it.
i guess people that can't accept reality have to make excuses for their
own insecurities.
GO JAZZ!!! I hope they sweep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO JAZZ!!! I hope they sweep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Houston Jazz Fan | 6:33 a.m. April 24, 2008
As a life long loud-and-proud Jazz living in hostile enemy territory, all I have
to say is, "You Gotta Love It Baby."
Bager0vance | 6:48 a.m. April 24, 2008
For a real taste of bitter houston fans and their bit$@ing, go to chron.com and
just read a bit in their sports section.
they whine more than Laker fans!
they whine more than Laker fans!
Jazz Fan in DC | 7:12 a.m. April 24, 2008
How does that song go? Oh yea... GET OVER IT! There's always next year,
Rocket fans.
Still Bitter from '95 | 7:57 a.m. April 24, 2008
Uh, Although Utah has generally owned Houston in the Playoffs, and yes, the
Rockets have two Titles to Utah's none, It was the Rockets who came back
from a 3-1 deficit in '95 against the Jazz to go on to win their second
championship ruining what I believe was the Jazz's best chance at a title -
even including the finals years because there was no Jordan. Houston is a bitter
rival - unforgivable - the Jazz can never inflict enough pain on Houston.
call the kettle black | 7:58 a.m. April 24, 2008
It's funny when Houston fans complain about flopping when they have the
biggest flopper (minus giniobli) in the game. shane battier!
And if we want to talk about bad officiating...what about when deron gets thrown to the ground and no call.
What a bunch of babies!!!
And if we want to talk about bad officiating...what about when deron gets thrown to the ground and no call.
What a bunch of babies!!!
Ryan | 7:59 a.m. April 24, 2008
I'm not sure Rockets fans have any room to critize flopping as long as they
have Shane Floppier on their team.
Oh, and no mention of how the Jazz grab, hold, pinch, shove, punch, tweak, bop, poke, caress, and do the Vulcan neck pinch on every possession? C'mon, son-in-law! Learn the proper way to criticize the Jazz!
Oh, and no mention of how the Jazz grab, hold, pinch, shove, punch, tweak, bop, poke, caress, and do the Vulcan neck pinch on every possession? C'mon, son-in-law! Learn the proper way to criticize the Jazz!
FACT MAN | 7:59 a.m. April 24, 2008
Nice story dick It got me pumped up for all the celebrating that will be going
on at ESA on saturday night. We simply have the rockets # just like the spurs
have ours. At least the Rockets have won in Utah in the past Decade.
P.S. Dick tell your Son in Law it was about time we played some Men in Game 2.
P.S. Dick tell your Son in Law it was about time we played some Men in Game 2.
Who Cares | 8:09 a.m. April 24, 2008
This article is worthless and not worth the ink it took to print. Who cares
about one family issue? Certainly not me. Haven't we got bigger fish to
fry? I do think so.
DCJ | 8:13 a.m. April 24, 2008
Great article! It's enlightening to hear things from the other
perspective. I love Harpring, but I can see why Houston fans might go off.
Mindless | 8:30 a.m. April 24, 2008
I didn't realize that Houston fans had minds.
Jazzfan in Richmond,Va | 8:42 a.m. April 24, 2008
Trying to convert all these East Coast Biasd people to become Jazzfan's.
Have succeeded in many folks taking notice of the Jazz. Keep spreading the word
"You gotta Love it Baby". Always wearing my Jazzclothing and getting
into alot of trash talk with the east coasters. Bring out the brooms. Jazz in
four
Ernest T. Bass | 8:43 a.m. April 24, 2008
Did T-Hanc play?
How did Aroido do?
How did Aroido do?
Don't blame T-Mac | 8:46 a.m. April 24, 2008
I am a die-hard Jazz fan, but Houston can't possibly blame T-Mac for the
loss. They rode him like a mule and he couldn't carry the whole load. All
those minutes would make anyone tired. I do get tired of the "T-mac this
and T-Mac that" from the commentators, though. He's a very good
player, the Jazz have to respect him, but he can't carry the whole team for
the whole game.
Oh, and the champion flopper has to be Manu. He's a fish when he drives the lane.
Oh, and the champion flopper has to be Manu. He's a fish when he drives the lane.
QuikandSkinny | 8:59 a.m. April 24, 2008
Ah yes, this coming from a fan of a team that has both Shane Floppier and Luis
Flop-ola. Hi pot, I'm kettle.
Funny to me how his Houston goggles make him forget that his teams star scored 1 pt in the 4th, or that his team went 4-19 (21%) from the 3 line, or that they shot a wonderful 16-26 (61.5%) from the foul line. Yes, none of those REALLY cost them the game, is was a flop.
Funny to me how his Houston goggles make him forget that his teams star scored 1 pt in the 4th, or that his team went 4-19 (21%) from the 3 line, or that they shot a wonderful 16-26 (61.5%) from the foul line. Yes, none of those REALLY cost them the game, is was a flop.
Ryan's Right | 9:05 a.m. April 24, 2008
Oh, yes. Whining is whining, no matter who does it. Battier makes our guys look
amateur at flopping. And he's a big boy.
Go Jazz, sweep 'em.
Go Jazz, sweep 'em.
Cliff | 9:12 a.m. April 24, 2008
This was a great article. A very unique, interesting look at the series, and
about the rivalry. Very, very well done.
Good Article | 9:12 a.m. April 24, 2008
Thanks Harmon - this article and the one about Travis Hansen were good reads.
You and Monson are my favorite writers. Utah has never overwhelmed with shear
physical talent so they have smartly balanced that with mastering other aspects
of the game. If someone pushes off it is only smart to add a little flop to it
to make sure the official notices. Those who complain about it just don't
know how to do it as well. And maybe NBA fans will understand Jazz fan's
mindset a little better when they remember that, outside of the U and BYU, the
Jazz are really the only game in town.
again | 9:15 a.m. April 24, 2008
another atrocious column by Dick Harmon. We don't care about your personal
life, Dick. You are just a Jazz homer - and this was a waste of time.
Beat the Jazz!
Beat the Jazz!
We hate Houston too | 9:20 a.m. April 24, 2008
After that look TMack gave Korver, who could like him, or the team he is on?
Yes, we hate you too. Maybe not as much as LA or SA, or even the Nougats, but we
hate you enough.
ESPN Knows Best | 9:28 a.m. April 24, 2008
Houston when your best player is called a "sleepy-eyed assassin" on
national TV you have a problem. I hope Jazz fans bring lots of blankets to the
game tonight so T-Mac can get a proper nap during the fourth quarter, seeing he
is just so tired.
Funny | 9:31 a.m. April 24, 2008
Dick, this is your son-in-law's brother...although I am also a
Rocket's fan and agree with EVERYTHING he says, this was a hilarious
article. I just called him and we were laughing about it.
GO ROCKETS!!!!!
GO ROCKETS!!!!!
Houston's Real Torture | 9:30 a.m. April 24, 2008
I would hate to be a Houston fan! The real reasons for Houston fans to whine are
as follows
1- T-Wac: What has this guy ever done? I still cant believe that people still refer to him as a "super star" He has NO HEART, he has NO ABILITY TO TAKE OVER A CRUCIAL GAME, and every year he back stabs his team and coaches. Houston your "super star" is a "super dud" and deep down you know it.
2- Yao: You wont admit it Houston, but Yao really isn't that "super star" either. The only reason the NBA continues to baby him and stoke his ego is to promote the NBA in the China Market. Reality set in this year, Yao has Maybe 3 more years of solid play, then what????
3- Addleman: Your coach is caught in the abyss of T-Wac, I watched him the other night blame everything under the sun for there loss. Fact, REAL coaches don't sit at the press table and Blame the referee.
Houston Fans, I feel sorry for all of you. We have your number, we will sweep you. How does that deep sinking feeling in your stomach feel? Go JAZZ!
1- T-Wac: What has this guy ever done? I still cant believe that people still refer to him as a "super star" He has NO HEART, he has NO ABILITY TO TAKE OVER A CRUCIAL GAME, and every year he back stabs his team and coaches. Houston your "super star" is a "super dud" and deep down you know it.
2- Yao: You wont admit it Houston, but Yao really isn't that "super star" either. The only reason the NBA continues to baby him and stoke his ego is to promote the NBA in the China Market. Reality set in this year, Yao has Maybe 3 more years of solid play, then what????
3- Addleman: Your coach is caught in the abyss of T-Wac, I watched him the other night blame everything under the sun for there loss. Fact, REAL coaches don't sit at the press table and Blame the referee.
Houston Fans, I feel sorry for all of you. We have your number, we will sweep you. How does that deep sinking feeling in your stomach feel? Go JAZZ!
Go Jazz | 9:40 a.m. April 24, 2008
T-Mac is just not good enough to carry the whole team. even though he is one of
the best players in the leauge. he needs to get a little help. if they had a
good backup for him then i would be scared for the jazz. go jazz finish them.
Flop | 9:47 a.m. April 24, 2008
The letters F-L-O-P translate into many different meanings: AK Flop 7 is dull,
uninteresting, and anti-clever; Shane Battier is a flopper, he falls down before
the feather touches him; T-Mac is a flop, period; also, to lay down or quit,
we'll see tonight.
Jazz by double-digits.
Jazz by double-digits.
Mr. Floppy | 10:00 a.m. April 24, 2008
What flop? I didn't see no stinkin' flop. Really, have these people
never watched NBA basketball before? It is part of the game even in high school.
We all remember how Mr. Jordan could do no wrong, yet anyone who breathed on him was called for a foul. He didn't need to flop; the officials gave him what he wanted for free. But, I am not bitter. I am over it now. Acceptance is the first step.
We all remember how Mr. Jordan could do no wrong, yet anyone who breathed on him was called for a foul. He didn't need to flop; the officials gave him what he wanted for free. But, I am not bitter. I am over it now. Acceptance is the first step.
HOUSTON= 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS JAZZ=0 | 10:08 a.m. April 24, 2008
Granted the Jazz are doing well. I give credit where credit is due, but the Jazz
do flop. That's not the way the game is played. That's trash.
It's okay because they will get shipped out faster than an FLDS church kid
by San Antonio (OUCH).
GO HOUSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by the way what else does Utah have? MLB team? No. NFL team? no. Oh well.
GO HOUSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by the way what else does Utah have? MLB team? No. NFL team? no. Oh well.
Utah Hater | 10:09 a.m. April 24, 2008
Man I hate Utah with a passion. I would rather see anybody esle in the NBA beat
us that them. Freaking flopper. They play dirt on the other end and then they
can even take a little push off from Scoal. I am suprised AK crybaby didn't
cry also, instead of just falling down. Wimps! Play it straight up, if you are
going to dish it take it also. Utah suxxs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JAZZ STINK | 10:16 a.m. April 24, 2008
ROCKETS HAVE 2 CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES JAZZ HAVE NONE. SORRY. GOOD NIGHT. JAZZ DO
FLOP MORE THAN OTHER TEAM AND THAT'S NOT THE WAY THE GAME IS PLAYED.
SAN ANTONIO WILL DISPATCH THAT UGLY JERSEY OUT OF HERE QUICK.
SAN ANTONIO WILL DISPATCH THAT UGLY JERSEY OUT OF HERE QUICK.
T-Smack | 10:18 a.m. April 24, 2008
DH, ask your son in law these questions...
How can they complain about AK when they have Battier? Have you watched him? He spends half the game on the floor. What about when McLady "got hit in the eye" and the jazz player received the foul, all the while McLady is winking and smiling at jazz fans as he walks down the court pretending to be hurt because he wasn't really touched. Who are the real flops and actors? Looks like McLady and Co. are pretty good themselves.
Also, don't forget about all of Hakims 5 step turn around jumpers. I've never seen someone take so many steps without being called for it.
How can they complain about AK when they have Battier? Have you watched him? He spends half the game on the floor. What about when McLady "got hit in the eye" and the jazz player received the foul, all the while McLady is winking and smiling at jazz fans as he walks down the court pretending to be hurt because he wasn't really touched. Who are the real flops and actors? Looks like McLady and Co. are pretty good themselves.
Also, don't forget about all of Hakims 5 step turn around jumpers. I've never seen someone take so many steps without being called for it.
Jazz no Rings | 10:21 a.m. April 24, 2008
Must I remind Major Tom that though it is true both years the Rockets won
championships Jordan was playing baseball, in those same years the Jazz won ZERO
NBA titles. In fact, didn't the Rockets knock the Jazz out of the playoffs
both those years? I'll save yourselve the time, the answer to that is YES.
Sorry sir, but your argument is flawed.
TucsonUte | 10:49 a.m. April 24, 2008
I am surprised Captain Dick's son-in-law didn't bring up the fact that
Billy "The Whopper" Paultz forced The Dream to punch him back in the
80's. Houston fans can be just as over the top as the Jazz fans.
This Houston team has a long way to go before they even get to where their great teams of the 90's were.
This Houston team has a long way to go before they even get to where their great teams of the 90's were.
AKA Floppy 7 | 10:50 a.m. April 24, 2008
How about Err'n Blocks.
Re: Houston = 2 | 10:51 a.m. April 24, 2008
Don't you mean the Lakers? The Jazz wouldn't play the Spurs until the
Western Conf Finals.
Erod | 10:54 a.m. April 24, 2008
Why is everything Kool-aid with you? Countless articles refer to the
"kool-aid", please find a new term once in a while.
Anonymous | 11:12 a.m. April 24, 2008
I don't know why this is a big deal, Utah sweeps T-Mac and a bunch of
rookies...WOW! Time to plan the parade rought. Jazz fan's don't
celebrate anything. There will be another team in Texas that will be more than
happy to burst that bubble of yours. Houston/Spurs fans are not worried at all,
we've tasted the Larry O'Brien trophy before, we know what it takes to
get there, Too bad Utah never will.
Either way, a team in green will destroy who ever comes out of the west...
Either way, a team in green will destroy who ever comes out of the west...
lamonte | 11:22 a.m. April 24, 2008
TusconUte - It wasn't Billy Paultz, it was "Franchise" Jeff
Wilkins who took Akeem's sucker punch. And when he followed Akeem down the
floor and said, "Is that the best you've got?" it was over.
Akeem was totally destroyed and done for the night. One of my best playoff
memories. Of course there was no call on The Dream.
Texas Cougar | 11:48 a.m. April 24, 2008
Things haven't been so bad for me down here in Houston, even though
I'm known as a Jazz fan. I guess I must just hang around the wrong people.
Incidentally, I don't know if all Houston fans have such a good memory for being wronged by the Jazz. I had to recount to some of my Houston friends the horrible illegal screen (bear hug) that Karl Malone set on Clyde Drexler to get Stockton open for that famous three in 1997. Even after I told them, they admitted that they couldn't remember the incident.
Incidentally, I don't know if all Houston fans have such a good memory for being wronged by the Jazz. I had to recount to some of my Houston friends the horrible illegal screen (bear hug) that Karl Malone set on Clyde Drexler to get Stockton open for that famous three in 1997. Even after I told them, they admitted that they couldn't remember the incident.
sick of sour grapes | 11:50 a.m. April 24, 2008
It's real interesting to me about how everyone hates all of Houston is
howling over the so called "flop" look at the tape....there were no
less than 4 fouls during that sequence...hard fouls and they happen to call the
"AK flop". Well I can't tell you how many times DWILL went to
the hole just to get knocked to his can with no call...yet every time
"T-MAC" touches the ball and makes a move...guess what he's
shooting free throws.....Houston (sour Grapes) fan's give us a little
credit.....WE ARE A BETTER TEAM!!!!!
McLady | 11:54 a.m. April 24, 2008
Dear disgruntled houston fans,
I guess this is where you just have to look at the ground and say, maybe next year...
When you go to bed after being swept out of the playoffs, dream about your 22 game win streak that would have been 26 if not for the Jazz...
Shoot...
As you begin to tire, and your eyes are as droopy as mclady himself, remember the gamblers fallacy and say to yourself once again, I hope we get Utah in the playoffs with home court advantage, next year will be our year...
Yours truley,
McLady
I guess this is where you just have to look at the ground and say, maybe next year...
When you go to bed after being swept out of the playoffs, dream about your 22 game win streak that would have been 26 if not for the Jazz...
Shoot...
As you begin to tire, and your eyes are as droopy as mclady himself, remember the gamblers fallacy and say to yourself once again, I hope we get Utah in the playoffs with home court advantage, next year will be our year...
Yours truley,
McLady
lamonte | 12:22 p.m. April 24, 2008
to TusconUte - On second thought you may be right about it being Billy Paultz.
My quick "google" research found another reference to the Bill Paultz
name so I'll concede to you. Regardless of who it was, they made Akeem look
and feel like a little child and he might as well have sat down the rest of the
game - he was that worthless. The Jazz are tough like Jerry Sloan.
Clutchman | 12:26 p.m. April 24, 2008
Way to go Aaron, way to represent H-town. How much is a win worth for the Jazz,
if you have to do it by cheating and playing dirty... why is the team still
named Jazz anyway, thats New Orleans original name, haha!
AZTexas | 12:26 p.m. April 24, 2008
I'm from Houston, but love the Jazz. I remember the "clock"
broadcast. All I remember is that it was absolutely the most unprofessional
behavior I ever hear from a broadcaster. All I could hear was some idiot
screaming...no idea what was going on. Gene Peterson (Rockets announcer) is the
worst play by play man ever. I've heard complaints about "Hot
Rod" (although I've never heard him) but he can't be worse than
Gene Peterson. Thank goodness he's retiring.
Kevin | 12:39 p.m. April 24, 2008
All i gotta say is...YOUR LUCKY THE BIG MAN IS ON THE SIDELINE THIS YEAR, and
just to remind you Jazz fans, hes on the sideline sitting next to a revamped
lineup. If you do prevail this playoff series, there is only one man that hopes
we play you come playoffs 2009 more than I do, he goes by the nickname, THE
GREAT WALL, and hes out for blood.
Re: McLady | 12:50 p.m. April 24, 2008
"McLady" that is funny, but... Jazz wont' stand a chance against
Kobe or Duncan or KG. Then they too will look down at the ground and say maybe
next year... or the next... or the next... (just like they have been doing
throughout ALL their years in the NBA)
Jazz fans have no room to talk...
Sleep tight.
Jazz fans have no room to talk...
Sleep tight.
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