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Utah Jazz: McGrady says Game 2 is a 'must-win' for Rockets
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That's Right | 6:57 a.m. April 21, 2008
I'm first to post and T-Mac is last to play. Jazz go 4-0. If T-Mac can do
something it maybe 4-1.
Jimmy's Sneakers | 7:08 a.m. April 21, 2008
Jimmy thinks that T-Mac is screwed since it is much easier for the Jazz to
double down on him when he doesn't have Yao or Skip-to-my-Lou to get the
ball to.
FootballFan | 7:51 a.m. April 21, 2008
I agree with the double team comments, but it seemed from game 1 that AK did a
very good job of shutting T-Mac down 1 on 1. It might not be sustainable, but I
think AK can contain him as well as anyone. I was impressed with the job he
did.
Now if we just didn't have to face the Lakers in round 2 :(
Now if we just didn't have to face the Lakers in round 2 :(
Comments continue below
Warning | 8:26 a.m. April 21, 2008
Take it to the HOLE Booz, and forget the outside jumper with no one under to
rebound. You fortunately don't shoot as bad of a free throw percentage as
your free throw shot looks. We have perimeter shooters galore just play in the
paint like Milsap does, thats what we need from you. Go get-em Jazz.
Big "T" | 8:52 a.m. April 21, 2008
As long as the Jazz play the level of defense they have as of late, it
doesn't matter what T-Mac or the Laker's or any other team in the
league does. Defense is the key to the first championship in Utah's
history. You must play intense defense, no matter how demanding it feels at the
time! Everything else will fall into place.
jazzfan | 8:58 a.m. April 21, 2008
The rockets are lucky they had Mutombo down low in game one he prevented a game
one blowout (snagging offensive boards, blocking layups). However he's not
gonna be as fresh in game two, which will mean more jazz domination on the
boards and more points in the paint.. Go Jazz!! pound it inside, if they bring
the double, kick it to korver!!
Keep Shooting | 9:05 a.m. April 21, 2008
Boozer needs to keep shooting the 15-18 foot jumpers. If he doesn't, then
the defenses will collapse in the key and nobody will be able to go inside.
Boozer can hit that shot consistently even though it wasn't falling for him
on Saturday. Let's not fixing something that isn't broken.
Where's Memo? | 9:13 a.m. April 21, 2008
Memo didn't have a very good outing. Thank heaven for AK-47, the guts of
D-Will, and the rest of the guys. Wish teh electronic media and others would get
off the 07 Houston meltdown and focus on now.
Grandma | 9:10 a.m. April 21, 2008
I wonder if any one thought about the way far outside chance that Denver just
might beat the Lakers. They are not untouchable you know. Seems that the
commenters here assume that the Lakers would be next. I'm not a Nugget fan
but in this series they are the ones I'm supporting. GO JAZZ!!
Acquire T-Mac | 9:22 a.m. April 21, 2008
I love his play, he's gutsy. He doesn't lead.
Yao isn't a leader either.
D-Will is.
T-Mac should get out of his contract and sign for minimum money with the Jazz.
Boozer - Willams - T-Mac - that'll get us a championship for sure.
Yao isn't a leader either.
D-Will is.
T-Mac should get out of his contract and sign for minimum money with the Jazz.
Boozer - Willams - T-Mac - that'll get us a championship for sure.
Sinan | 9:24 a.m. April 21, 2008
Rocket's players are ready to be in a moral defeat after the 1st defeat. If
the Jazz shows to win the 2nd game at the beginning, that push Rockets into a
huge problem.
GO MEMO, GO JAZZZZZZZZ
GO MEMO, GO JAZZZZZZZZ
To Where's Memo | 9:25 a.m. April 21, 2008
That's what's great about this Jazz team - many weapons. Memo will
show up and Brewer will have a better offensive game too (if they choose to
really focus on taking them or anybody else out of the game, then somebody else
will step up). Whereas the Jazz can really focus on McGrady, the Rockets have
to be careful and guard multiple players. It's the old cliche,
"Choose your poisen". Go Jazz!!!!
Denver | 9:31 a.m. April 21, 2008
The Jazz would love to play Denver over LA, but I just don't think it will
happen. Utah's best chance is to quickly beat Houston and hope the
Denver/La series goes 6 or 7 games. It will be a very tough matchup for Utah,
but they need to first beat Houston.
RE: KEEP SHOOTING | 9:31 a.m. April 21, 2008
Dude, if Boozer, who is like 27 has Mutombo on him 15-18 feet from the basket,
he needs to put the ball on the floor and blow past him. Mutomobo is like 50.
There's no way he can hang with Booz. I know his shot is high arching, but
come on, why shoot over the basket to make a basket, when you can get right past
him.
Sammy sez: | 9:58 a.m. April 21, 2008
I think the NBA wants a Jazz/Lakers matchup in round two. The Derek Fisher thing
would stir up controversy, cause trash talk and make for good press. The Rockets
series is far from over, Houston can still pull it out but now it seems unlikely
to happen. Probably it will be Jazz/Lakers in round two, that would be one
intense series no doubt.
Jazz Fan (The Original) | 10:01 a.m. April 21, 2008
The Rocketts (as in Rockefeller Square dancers) don't have the weapons to
beat the Jazz. The fact that they won 22 in row during the regular season just
highlights the fact that there are too many teams in the NBA to support the
number of players available in the draft. Look at all the Euros and Asians,
South Americans, etc. who can make the teams. Teams like the Jazz with a system
and a minimum of athletic players can be competitive and compete for a
championship. Yao (Mao) is out, so they have no chance. T-Mac and crew are
undermanned and should get swept if the Jazz play their cards right. With the
league making the series last two weeks if they go 7 games is what makes it more
competitive, particularly with the Mutombo's and other aging players on
some rosters. The Jazz need to work down low and get the depleted front court
of Houston in major foul trouble early. Ironically, the Rockets tried to do the
same thing to the Jazz. The Officiating is allowing more physicality, and it
will get rougher as we get deeper into the playoffs. That part of the play is a
joke.
thanks Jazz | 10:09 a.m. April 21, 2008
Thanks Jazz for beating New Orleans the last week of the season, so they are no
longer the one seed, and now we have to play the Lakers in Round 2. I really
appreciate it.
Note to K-Mart and Melo. Please hit Kobe in the pinkie as hard as you can.
Note to K-Mart and Melo. Please hit Kobe in the pinkie as hard as you can.
Matt | 10:50 a.m. April 21, 2008
Sorry Jazz fans, but you can't expect this to be the norm. Sure, the Jazz
an unbelievable team at home, but teams such as the Lakers and Spurs are more
than capable of winning at the ESA. If you're depending on winning one on
the road each series while sweeping your home games than you're in for a
world of hurt the farther you advance.
Herm F | 11:13 a.m. April 21, 2008
What a great way to start the playoffs, a big road win! The way we look now, it
seems that we can sustain that success on the road. Anyone who is knocking the
Jazz for their road record is a moron. They have sustained great success this
second half of the season on the road and at home, and I think that they can
take ANYONE in the West because there is so much parity. They can play
competitivley with the Celtics if they make it that far. I think we Jazz fans
have tons to be excited about!
Bryce | 11:58 a.m. April 21, 2008
I'm gonna be honest and say that when the jazz meet the lakers in the
second round, they are going to get rocked. I sure hope not, but really, did
anyone watch the Lakers yesterday? The Jazz got blown out when they played in
the staples center this year. And the Lakers (minus gasol) made the Jazz look
like the Miami Heat when the came to ESA a few weeks ago. I hate Kobe Bryant
with a passion, but i really don't see the Jazz pulling it off. It looks
like they will have to beat the Rockets, Lakers, and Spurs all without homecourt
advantage if they want to get to the finals. I just don't see it happening.
Anyone want to counter that argument. And I don't want to hear all the
stuff about being a loyal Jazz fan or how i'm jinxing the Jazz. All that
doesn't matter.
BJ Jazzy Rasta | 12:23 p.m. April 21, 2008
@ Bryce - That is a very realistic, yet un-optimistic way of viewing the road
ahead for the Jazz. I won't argue with what you said you believe will
happen, but I choose to be a more optimistic fan. I believe if we win tonight,
we could very well sweep round 1, then...We will play and beat the Lakers in 7
games in round two. Then, after the Suns, upset the Spurs in 7, the Jazz and
Suns will meet in the WCFinals. Jazz win that one in 7, and go on to face
Boston in the Finals. We then, will beat Boston in 6 games. How's that for
some optimism? Try it and you just might like it better than being pessimistic.
Go Jazz
RocketMan | 12:47 p.m. April 21, 2008
To "Jazz Fan (The Original)"-
As a loyal Rockets fan, I respect your right to support your team and have an opinion. However, I take exception to some of your ignorant statements:
1. The Rockets 22-game win streak had nothing to do with "too many teams in the NBA". If it's so simple, why has no one else accomplished this feat in 35 years?!
2. All of the "Euros,Asians, and South Americans" are making teams because they are excellent players, the same reason that Americans (despite losing in the Olympics) make teams. Just because you are not used to "foreigners" in Utah gives you no right to diminish the talent of international players. Remember Hakeem Olajuwon? He was not American born, but is the reason the Rockets have 2 rings, and Utah zero.
3. Referring to Yao as "Mao" is as childish and ignorant as referring to Kirilenko as "Khrushchev". Yao is a class act with humility and a work ethic that should be admired by any basketball fan, regardless of team affiliation. I may hate the Jazz, but still have the utmost respect for their players and coach.
Educate yourself, and accept that the NBA is global.
RocketMan
As a loyal Rockets fan, I respect your right to support your team and have an opinion. However, I take exception to some of your ignorant statements:
1. The Rockets 22-game win streak had nothing to do with "too many teams in the NBA". If it's so simple, why has no one else accomplished this feat in 35 years?!
2. All of the "Euros,Asians, and South Americans" are making teams because they are excellent players, the same reason that Americans (despite losing in the Olympics) make teams. Just because you are not used to "foreigners" in Utah gives you no right to diminish the talent of international players. Remember Hakeem Olajuwon? He was not American born, but is the reason the Rockets have 2 rings, and Utah zero.
3. Referring to Yao as "Mao" is as childish and ignorant as referring to Kirilenko as "Khrushchev". Yao is a class act with humility and a work ethic that should be admired by any basketball fan, regardless of team affiliation. I may hate the Jazz, but still have the utmost respect for their players and coach.
Educate yourself, and accept that the NBA is global.
RocketMan
Nate | 1:14 p.m. April 21, 2008
RocketMan - Your Mom is global!
The Jazz win in 4 or 6 and Houston goes home happy to have even made the playoffs. Bring on the Lakers.
Go Jazz!
The Jazz win in 4 or 6 and Houston goes home happy to have even made the playoffs. Bring on the Lakers.
Go Jazz!
TJ | 1:23 p.m. April 21, 2008
The Jazz only lost 4 games at home but who were they to? The Celtics, Rockets,
Lakers ans who was the 4th?
To RocketMan---Michael Jordan is the reason the Jazz do not have 2 rings. Hakeem was amazing and definately hurt the Jazz but if MJ hadn't have been retired the Rockets would have no rings just like the Jazz. But you want to know a cool stat that not many teams if any besides the Jazz and Rockets can claim? Both teams have swept Shaq in the playoffs. He is considered to be the most dominant big man of this age so that is quite a lot to say about both franchises.
To RocketMan---Michael Jordan is the reason the Jazz do not have 2 rings. Hakeem was amazing and definately hurt the Jazz but if MJ hadn't have been retired the Rockets would have no rings just like the Jazz. But you want to know a cool stat that not many teams if any besides the Jazz and Rockets can claim? Both teams have swept Shaq in the playoffs. He is considered to be the most dominant big man of this age so that is quite a lot to say about both franchises.
the TRAIN | 1:45 p.m. April 21, 2008
Jazz fan the orgininal makes every jazz fan look ignorant. The fact that you
brought race up in the NBA drafts proves that you're a douche. If you look
up the last 5 drafts, sure, the number of internation players drafted is
increasing, but to be so nieve as to suggest that the reason there are too many
teams in the NBA is because the rest of the world is producing too many good
players is retarded. You might as well have said- "If black people would
stop re producing, the NBA wouldnt have so many teams in the league" From
now on, remove your head from your *** before commenting
hey tj | 2:51 p.m. April 21, 2008
i'm with ya 100%, but chicago did sweep shaq last year in miami.
rocket hater | 3:01 p.m. April 21, 2008
Hey matt if the jazz are only good at home why did t-mac end up getting clowned
one more time by the jazz? If we bad on the road what r yall. And matt if you
forgot jazz smoked the rockets with yao and skip in the line up last yeat.Hey as
long as its not t-slacks fault right.
rocket hater | 3:03 p.m. April 21, 2008
yo rocket man. It matters 0 how nice a guy yao is if your not around when your
team needs you most your a flop. And if your a superstar who cant even win a
home court first round playoff series after several chances you are a loser. So
the rockets are a team of flops,losers,and street ballers. And when the jazz pay
A.K. half that salary is not going to the good old peoples republic I think they
got enough money to hate hater!
Hahaha.. | 3:03 p.m. April 21, 2008
@ Bryce
Hahahahahahahahaha!!!
"Your mom is global!"
Hahahahahahahahaha!!!
Classic...
Hahahahahahahahaha!!!
"Your mom is global!"
Hahahahahahahahaha!!!
Classic...
jazzjunky | 3:13 p.m. April 21, 2008
yo Tj,
that was rockets that beat us at home, game1, how many games yall won since them that why all you got to look foward to is a peoples republic victory this summer. That is if yao ever recovers
that was rockets that beat us at home, game1, how many games yall won since them that why all you got to look foward to is a peoples republic victory this summer. That is if yao ever recovers
TJ | 3:08 p.m. April 21, 2008
So many people think the Suns will win and that the Nuggets have a chance to
beat LA well I highly doubt either will happen. I would not be suprised if the
next round in both conferences was 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3. I would love to see a
sweep by the Jazz. It has been far too long since we witnessed that.
Bryce | 3:10 p.m. April 21, 2008
@BJ: You can take the optimist view all you want. But that doesn't put you
on the court to make the winning shot. Even if the Jazz to happen to sweep the
Rockets and "get some rest" for the Lakers, it doesn't matter.
Remember a few years back when we swept the Lakers in the WCF then lose in 6 to
the Bulls in the Finals. It doesn't matter if we sweep, the Laker's
will probably sweep too. And if they don't they will probably sweep the
Jazz. Just don't see it happenin' man. Maybe if Okur get's hot.
but that is still a maybe.
californian | 3:16 p.m. April 21, 2008
I am just enjoying the delicious irony of the Jazz being the only Western
conference team to win a roadie in game one...hmm!
jazzjunky | 3:20 p.m. April 21, 2008
tj please,
your makeing yourself look silly. In a week i will be cheering for the JAZZ. you b cheerin for the nfl draft.
your makeing yourself look silly. In a week i will be cheering for the JAZZ. you b cheerin for the nfl draft.
Rich $ | 3:23 p.m. April 21, 2008
Just a heads up to RocketMan, take a look at the starting lineup for the Jazz.
AK is from Russia and Memo is from Turkey. The Jazz are just as global as anyone
in the NBA. Oh and as far as not being used to foreigners in Utah, did you ever
hear of the 2002 Olympics? Don't fight ignorance with ignorance.
the 4th home | 3:32 p.m. April 21, 2008
loss was to the Trail Blazers. I agree with many that the Jazz can and will lose
at least a game at home so they need to try to win as many as possible on the
road. Jazz in 5
Jimmy's Sneakers | 3:44 p.m. April 21, 2008
Jimmy can't think of an original persona so Jimmy has to steal one from the
television. Jimmy isn't very creative... :(
Anonymous | 3:45 p.m. April 21, 2008
Give me a break Rocket Man! I have been hearing ignorant Houston fans saying
that all utah including the players are all poligmist and also you saying Utah
is not used to foreign player, Where is Kirilenko from or how about Memo or how
about Fesenko even. I believe people from Russia, Ukrain and Turkey are foreign!
T-Smack | 4:32 p.m. April 21, 2008
Aren't Russia, Ukrain and Turkey towns in texas?
T-Smack | 4:41 p.m. April 21, 2008
McLady is going to lead the Rockets to the promised land. His house to watch
the rest of the playoffs on his big tv in HD...
zmansugarland | 4:43 p.m. April 21, 2008
I think the rockets will get to the second round of the playoffs.I think they
will advance to the second round but wont beat the lakers in the second
round.the jazz will not go to the finals stupid jazz fans!the rockets have a
good a nuff bench to win games.but they just do stupid things like put luther
head in instead of steave novak that handels the ball 97% better then luther
head.the rockets need to do the give and go with tracy mcgrady and bobby jackson
if they want to win.
TJ | 4:38 p.m. April 21, 2008
To jazzjunky
What are you talking about. I mentioned the Rocket beat the Jazz at home in the season and I will be cheering for the Jazz next week and every week til it is all over. How am I making myself look silly. Atleast I didn't try to correct something that was already correct? And when I said it would be 1 vs 4 you have to remember that the Jazz are #4 so how is that silly? And I don't watch the nfl draft. It bores me.
Ok so Utah, Houston, and Chicago have swept Shaq in the playoffs.
What are you talking about. I mentioned the Rocket beat the Jazz at home in the season and I will be cheering for the Jazz next week and every week til it is all over. How am I making myself look silly. Atleast I didn't try to correct something that was already correct? And when I said it would be 1 vs 4 you have to remember that the Jazz are #4 so how is that silly? And I don't watch the nfl draft. It bores me.
Ok so Utah, Houston, and Chicago have swept Shaq in the playoffs.
T-Smack | 4:50 p.m. April 21, 2008
From last years playoffs... My favorite quote from game 5...
"I sat there at this game and looked at the rockets, a deer in the headlights. Only McGrady had one eye looking one way and the other dazed in the opposite direction. The rockets had the poise of highschool girls JV team that was forced to scrimmage the Varsity boys squad. Worse yet, the Jazz have gotten better every game this series. The rockets need to be worried. The Jazz are comming at them from every direction. Good thing McLady can see in two directions at once."
History really does repeat itself. GO JAZZ!!!
"I sat there at this game and looked at the rockets, a deer in the headlights. Only McGrady had one eye looking one way and the other dazed in the opposite direction. The rockets had the poise of highschool girls JV team that was forced to scrimmage the Varsity boys squad. Worse yet, the Jazz have gotten better every game this series. The rockets need to be worried. The Jazz are comming at them from every direction. Good thing McLady can see in two directions at once."
History really does repeat itself. GO JAZZ!!!
Conejo | 5:31 p.m. April 21, 2008
People who comment about Utah being in a bubble only show their ignorance of
reality. People from Utah are probably more exposed to different cultures than
any other state in America. A disproportionately large percentage of the
population have traveled to, and lived in other countries. While it is true we
don't embrace the undesirable aspects of other cultures, that does not mean
we don't understand them. It amazes me how uninformed people are about the
cultural makeup of Utah. I suppose it is always easier to believe the negative
about any group than it is to become informed on the subject.
RocketMan | 5:33 p.m. April 21, 2008
To Nate-
Based on your comment, either you're in the 4th grade...or you should be.
To TJ - Although MJ was the reason the Jazz didn't win a ring in '97 & '98, Hakeem was the same obstacle in '94 & '95. Like the 22-game win streak, if winning a championship was so simple without MJ in the picture, then where were the Jazz? Furthermore, presuming the Bulls would beat the Rockets is wrong, based on their head-to-head match ups during the regular season, which was basically a draw.
To "Rocket Hater" - Your defintion of "loser" is out of line. Were Stockton and Malone "losers", for never winning a championship? Of course not. Same can be said for Yao and T-Mac. This is a team sport, so if the role players don't contribute, then don't put it all on the stars. They have more responsibility, but not all of it. Also, a player being injured does not define a "flop". Boozer missed an entire season a couple of years ago, and I'll guess you didn't consider him a "flop". "Flop" describes Okur's defense, but not Yao.
And, having 2 international players and a 2-week Olympic games doesn't constitute "diversity".
Based on your comment, either you're in the 4th grade...or you should be.
To TJ - Although MJ was the reason the Jazz didn't win a ring in '97 & '98, Hakeem was the same obstacle in '94 & '95. Like the 22-game win streak, if winning a championship was so simple without MJ in the picture, then where were the Jazz? Furthermore, presuming the Bulls would beat the Rockets is wrong, based on their head-to-head match ups during the regular season, which was basically a draw.
To "Rocket Hater" - Your defintion of "loser" is out of line. Were Stockton and Malone "losers", for never winning a championship? Of course not. Same can be said for Yao and T-Mac. This is a team sport, so if the role players don't contribute, then don't put it all on the stars. They have more responsibility, but not all of it. Also, a player being injured does not define a "flop". Boozer missed an entire season a couple of years ago, and I'll guess you didn't consider him a "flop". "Flop" describes Okur's defense, but not Yao.
And, having 2 international players and a 2-week Olympic games doesn't constitute "diversity".
CjMilesFan | 7:10 p.m. April 21, 2008
zmansugarland you said Houstons bench is good enough to win games, Their
starting line up isn't even that good who bows down when under pressure! Go
Jazz, sweep Houston and if not win in 5!!!
Enough | 8:12 p.m. April 21, 2008
I want A.K.s issues from last year to stop NOW. Media what the h--- is the
point? Get over it please enough is enough. If you guys like mud go live with
the hogs, I'm sick of your constant reminders and so is everyone else. Let
it die.
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Tracy McGrady of the Rockets may be feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders after the Jazz won Game 1 of their first-round playoff series at Houston.
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