Reader comments
Jazz game day

If Jimmy didn't know better this Memo v. Yao matchup would look like an incredible mismatch:

M. OKUR . . . . . Y. MING
(0 ppg, 3 rpg) . . . . . (25 ppg, 12 rpg)

Jimmy thinks Memo will like guarding Yao more away from the basket, if that is in fact where Adelman decides to play him.

Captain Obvious strikes again. And once again, he's Obviously Wrong.

First, these "averages" (that's what "pg" stands for) are from ONE game. A game in which the Jazz had plenty of weapons to use against GS when Memo got into early foul trouble. So the Jazz could afford to keep him in reserve.

Second, maybe Jimmy's Sneakers can consult with Jimmy's Memory about a playoff series last spring where Memo's stats were equally uninspiring. Sure, it isn't blatantly OBVIOUS (which is why Jimmy's Sneakers are unable to grasp the concept) but Memo basically neutralized Yao in that series. No, he didn't match stats with Yao. No, he didn't completely shut Yao down. But he did slow the longer, taller Yao down enough to turn him from "X" factor to decidedly average. He played him tough on the high and low blocks. He muscled Yao away from the basket before and after shots. And he created space for his teammates to get defensive rebounds.

The Jazz won't need Memo's offensive stats against Houston. If Memo can turn Yao into Mr. Average again, he'll earn his paycheck.

What Memo didn't do though? He didn't constantly talk about himself in third person.

What a difference in a starting lineup compared with what we faced against G State. This game will be much more telling as to the Jazz's talent level.

Also, Houston only got better in the offseason, especially because they got rid of Juwan Howard.

I applaud your comment, Brain. Absolutely right on the money. When Memo got into Yao's head in the playoffs, he became visibly frustrated. Yao is an amazing talent and arguably one of the top centers in the league today, but he still has a ways to go in terms of mental toughness. If Okur just gets under his skin, the offense will come from other sources, although when Memo is hitting his shots the Jazz are that much better.

Also, I'm totally on board with your frustration with Jimmy's antics.

Agreed, Memo's Defense is imparitive to the Jazz winning tonight! Yao's gonna be pretty mad about getting emberassed in the playoffs so it'll be tough, but also with Yao not being too fantastic of a defender outside the paint, hopefully Memo will get his offense going too and be money outside!