Jazz vs Warriors Game 2 of 3

March 31st, 2010 by Salt City Hoops

ESPN Preview

Coverage: ESPN
10:00 PM ET, March 31, 2010
EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT

Of all the games that could epitomize the frustrating end to last season for the Jazz, the incredibly disappointing beatdown at home by the seven-man Golden State Warriors (Bakersfield Jam North) was the one that marks the moment the Jazz bandwagon went off the road and into a ditch. It was the beginning of the summer of our discontent and the Carlos Boozer Public Mis-Relations Tour.

It’s almost hard to imagine that scene from the current vantage point for the Jazz at the top of the division with a solid chance to finish the season second in the Western Conference. Under the current circumstances, the AccuScore prediction is showing an almost-comical 90% win probability for the Jazz in tonight’s game.

Luckily for the Jazz there will be no Rob Kurz, no Ronny Turiaf, and if the stars align, no CJ Watson. Hopefully for the Jazz tonight is all about Stephen Curry making things interesting and the Jazz postponing Warriors coach Don Nelson’s slow march toward having the most wins in NBA history (he needs three more to break the record held by Lenny Wilkens).

In the meantime, here are some things to chew on, courtesy of ESPN and the Elias Sports Bureau:

  • Jerry Sloan and Don Nelson have opposed each other as head coaches 83 times during the regular season.  That is the third most matchups between opposing head coaches in NBA history behind Bill Fitch vs. Dick Motta (87 times) and Motta vs. Cotton Fitzsimmons (84 times).
  • Corey Maggette has scored 32.9 percent of his total points from the free-throw line this season (414 of 1,257).  Only one player in the league has a higher such percentage than Maggette (minimum: 600 points): Dwight Howard (33.0%).
  • Stephen Curry has made a three-point field-goal in each of his last 23 games.  That is tied with Carlos Delfino for the longest current streak in the league.
  • Deron Williams has registered 10-or-more assists in 48 percent of the games he has played during the regular season in his career (182 of 379).  That is the fourth-highest percentage for any player in NBA history (minimum: 300 games), behind Magic Johnson (64.7%), John Stockton (57.4%) and Chris Paul (54.1%).
  • Kyle Korver is shooting .445 from the field at home and has a .563 field-goal percentage on the road this season.  Only one player in the league that has a higher field-goal percentage on the road than at home has a larger differential in that category than Korver: James Johnson (.153 differential) (minimum: 100 FGA at home and on the road).
  • The Warriors are 0-7 in games that have been decided by three-or-fewer points this season.  Every other team in the league has won at least one game in that situation. There has been only one team in the shot-clock era that has gone a whole season without winning a game by three-or-fewer points: the 2005-06 Suns (0-7).
  • Golden State has allowed 100-or-more points in each of its last 15 games.  That is tied with Minnesota for the longest current streak in the league.
  • The Jazz enter today’s action with the fifth best record in the NBA despite the fact that 65 percent of their total minutes have been played by non first round draft picks this season.  That is by far the highest such percentage for any team in the league. Golden State (58.2%) ranks third on the list behind Utah and Houston (58.3%).
  • The Warriors enter today’s action ranked last in the league in points per game allowed (112.3).  If Golden State does not improve its ranking in that category, it will mark the 15th time that the franchise will have allowed the most points per game in a season.  Not only is that the highest total for any franchise in NBA history, it is more than double the next highest (Denver: seven).
  • Golden State is 1-16 on the road against teams that currently own a .600-or-better winning percentage. The Warriors only road win against a .600+ team came on November 24 in Dallas.
  • The Warriors have seven different players that have scored 30-or-more points in a game this season.  That is the highest total for any team in the league.
  • Utah had the 15th best record in the league (19-17) on the morning of January 9th.  Since then, the Jazz have posted a 30-9 (.769) record, the second highest winning percentage in the league over that span behind Cleveland (30-6, .833).

Last Flash Home Game of the Regular Season Tonight

March 30th, 2010 by Salt City Hoops

Snuggie night was a bit of a bust, but if you enjoy big giveaways with your minor league hoops you may want to attend tonight’s Flash game in Orem. It’s the last home game of the year and someone will ride home on a new motorcycle.

Here’s the press release:

OREM, Utah, March 29, 2010 – The Utah Flash and partner Maakoa announced today that at halftime of the Flash’s final home game one lucky fan will win a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Fans have been entering to win all season, and will be able to enter as late as mid-way through the second quarter of Tuesday’s game.

One lucky name will be drawn during a halftime presentation, and that winner will take home the motorcycle. The Flash has been happy to have Maakoa on board this season. “They bring a great element to our games and to our team, and we are very grateful to have them on board,” said Team President Joe Brown.

The Flash will also be hosting a blackout night where the players will wear their black road uniforms. Fans can get a 2 for 1 discount on purchasing tickets if they were black to the game as part of the blackout.

With only three games remaining the Flash hold the seventh out of eight available playoff spots. Utah hosts Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday and will travel to Austin for two games against the Toros this weekend. Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling 801-434-HOOP.

Jazz vs Knicks ESPN Dime Live Chat

March 29th, 2010 by Salt City Hoops

Travis Hansen still making an impact off the court

March 27th, 2010 by Salt City Hoops

I watched a bit of Euroleague action today between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Former Atlanta Hawk and BYU grad Travis Hansen is playing for Real Madrid after a nice run for Dynamo Moscow. Hansen only played seven minutes but I was glad to see he’s still making a difference off the court.

Check out his foundation. Great work by Hansen and his wife.

Jazz-Pacers ESPN Dime Live Chat

March 26th, 2010 by Salt City Hoops

Jazz-Raptors ESPN Dime Live Chat

March 24th, 2010 by Salt City Hoops

Jazz at Raptors

March 24th, 2010 by Salt City Hoops

I’m still buzzing from that Boston game. The show rolls on, however, and tonight the Jazz are back in action on the road against Toronto. It will be interesting to see if the Jazz can get back to their winning ways on the road, or if the strong play last month was only an aberration.

Here’s a snippet from the ESPN Preview:

In the opener of a three-game road trip, the Jazz look to win their 10th straight against the Raptors on Wednesday night.

Utah (46-25) faces plenty of competition for a chance at home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, leading Phoenix by one game while San Antonio and Oklahoma City trail by three. Division leaders Dallas and Denver are also within reach for the Jazz, who have won four of five after losing their previous two.

The Raptors have lost five of eight at home overall after winning 14 of their previous 15.

Utah should enter this contest particularly confident, coming off a 110-97 win over Boston on Monday night. The Jazz beat one of the East’s top teams despite missing Andrei Kirilenko (calf) for the fifth time in six games.

Kirilenko’s status is uncertain. The veteran forward had 20 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks in a 104-91 win over Toronto on Nov. 18.

Also, I chipped in at Raptors Republic with a few thoughts. Let me know what you think.

Utah Flash to Host Snuggie Night

March 22nd, 2010 by Salt City Hoops

My image, not theirs.

The best news of the day comes from the Utah Flash PR department:

OREM, UT, March 22, 2010 – The Utah Flash announced today that Friday March 26 will be “Utah Flash Snuggie Night” at the McKay Events Center. Flash fans who wear Snuggies will have free admittance into the game, and Utah Flash logo “Snuggies” can be purchased at the game.

“We’ve done a lot of fun and exciting promotions this year,” said Utah Flash Team President Joe Brown. “This should add to the fun and enjoyment our fans already experience at Flash games.”

On Friday March 26 the Utah Flash will take on division rival Idaho Stampede. The game between the two teams could be crucial in the race for an NBA Development League playoff spot. Currently the Flash are in the eighth spot in the playoff race, with Idaho just one game behind Utah.

Tickets are still available for the four remaining Flash home games and can be purchased by calling 801-434-4667. However, fans wearing a Snuggie to the March 26 game will not need a ticket and will get in free of charge.

Jazz-Timberwolves ESPN Dime Live Chat

March 17th, 2010 by Salt City Hoops

Jazz-Bucks ESPN Dime Live Chat

March 12th, 2010 by Salt City Hoops