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Game 31: Spurs 106, Jazz 102
Posted by: TACOREV on February 20th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.Jason said he’s in Disneyland so I’m taking over the post game duties for now.
I was at this game, and boy was the ending aggravating. The Jazz had their chances, plenty of them, but couldn’t get it done. Richard Jefferson finally made the Jazz pay by hitting a huge 3-ball to give San Antonio a five point lead with six seconds left.
Tony Parker put up 23 and 11, Tim Duncan had 20 and seven, and freaking Matt Bonner hit like a million 3-pointers (5-of-6) to add 20 off the bench.
Al Jefferson scored 20 and 11, tallying two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Paul Millsap had 16 and 11, and Devin Harris had one of his better outings with 15 and four assists. CJ Miles provided a spark off the bench before his usual bone-headed-ness got him yanked from the game. Josh Howard also had one of his better games, but some errant passes hurt the Jazz in the final minutes.
Alec Burks had some phenomenal plays in the first half, including a pick-pocket steal and awesome slam dunk, but didn’t play much of a factor during his second half stint.
The Jazz fall below .500, now standing at 15-16, and will head to Minnesota to face the Wolves on Wednesday.
Jazz player of the game: Al Jefferson
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What a heartbreaking loss. I’m not gonna lie, I had no intention of watching this game. The Spurs have been Jazz killers for the last two decades, and minus our only 3-point shooter in Raja, I just didn’t want to suffer through such an *ss-kicking.
Well when I was driving and listening to the broadcast and heard he were up 20-12, I immediately found a TV. To my amazement, Josh Howard was making shots, though he still refused to pass the ball (that was my only complaint with him tonight).
Overall, similar to last night’s loss to the Rockets, the Jazzed played good basketball. Jefferson was a beast as usual, and Millsap had a solid game and really battled in the paint (as usual). Devin Harris played another solid game, but as usual failed to dish out significant assists. He did however, play good defense on Tony Parker.
There were two players who really failed to perform tonight, and ultimately cost us the game. Gordon Hayward choked hardcore tonight, the only bright spot being the earlyoop.
Favors continues to be inconsistent and not much of a presence in the paint. Favors made just one field goal and grabbed ZERO rebounds. ZERO rebounds for a 20 year old, 6′-11″ 250 Ib power forward is unacceptable. I am still scratching my head about this player.
The most infuriating about this game was that ginger b*stard Matt Bonner. To be fair, the Jazz all but shut down Richard Jefferson (except in clutch time when it really mattered), the Spurs best 3 point shooter. But they left Bonner wide open six times for 5 three balls. That’s 15 points they could have had back if someone was there even to put a hand in Bonner’s face (case in point: when Millsap fouled him–and who could’ve known Bonner would make all 3 free throws).
Overall, a fantastic effort for the Jazz, but ultimately a heartbreaker.
As long as the Jazz were playing up-tempo, they were up during this game, Harris, Howard (and to a lesser level CJ) were performing well … but the final 5 minutes of an NBA game are never up-tempo minutes. So they had to play half-court offense, struggle, and then lose the game. It is a pitty to see that “Jazz basketball” is not working with this team !
I hope a GM can read these lines: CJ Miles, Devin Harris and Josh Howard all had fantastic performances. They are all great basketball players and would fit perfectly in your team. You want to trade for them ? No problem, just ask KOC !