Game #46 Preview: Spurs at Jazz - Two old codgers duke it out
by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2011 5:00 AM CST
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According to Pop, the Jazz have always been a measuring stick for the Spurs. Every season, Pop gets to figure out how our boys will react to one of the best system offenses the NBA has ever seen. The Jazz have been running nearly the same offense for the past 22 years under the incomparable Jerry Sloan. I want you to sit and think for a second. Jerry Sloan was coaching the Jazz when Robinson was still in the Navy, Pop had just gotten out of the CIA and joined Larry Brown as an assistant for the Spurs and our starting center hadn't even been born yet. In a league where the average coach spends 3 years with a team before being fired, Sloan has been nothing short of amazing. The only serious criticism of him is that he never won a title.
By most accounts, the Jazz appeared to be ready to take the league in 2007 when they reached the WCF. Unfortunately for them, the Spurs were having none of it and crushed them in 5 games. Since that point, the Jazz have won only a single (ed. TWO! thanks SpurredOn) playoff series which has to be considered a disappointment for one of the best point guards in the league.
Pushed aside this season by the darling Zombie Sonics, the Jazz are a dark horse to win their division this season. In fact, just earlier this year, they waltzed down to Florida and beat Miami and Orlando on back to backs (both games they came back from being down double digits) and then went to Charlotte for a THIGAFONI and again came back from down double digits to win.
Salt Lake City is an extremely difficult place to beat the Jazz. This year, though, has been an anomaly for them as they already have 7 losses (they only had 9 losses in the entire 09-10 season and just 8 the year before). They compete with OKC for the loudest crowd in my opinion, and the refs usually call the fouls to the crowd's delight. I wish I could find home vs. away splits on how many free throws Jazz opponents get, but I can't. All I can tell you is that they give up an average of 28 free throws a game; 3 over the league average of 25. This is a physically imposing defense and I expect a lot of Spurs getting knocked to the floor (especially with how NYY and NOH have shown the Spurs can be pushed around).
I realize that I have discussed the Jazz more than I have the Spurs and anyone stumbling on the site might think this was a Utah blog. So, I'll just swing back to the good side. Like I said at the beginning, Pop considers the Jazz the litmus test for the Spurs to get in playoff basketball. Last year, we were swept by the Jazz in our regular season games against them, and it was obviously a sign of things to come. I expect us to come out with a sense of urgency and revenge. Speaking of revenge, I'm going to give one of my thoughts on the season. I was planning on saving this for a fanpost, but I can tip my hand just a little. I have never seen a team with such a chip on its shoulder. Obviously they all have something to prove: Neal - legitimate NBA player, Blair - no ACLs, Tony - all that talk that he was washed up last year, Duncan - too old, Manu - well, Manu just looks legitimately pissed. If I could liken him to any fictional character, the first that comes to mind is Creasy from Man on Fire, played by Denzel Washington. A finally-healthy, over-the-top competitor, who barely lifts up his hand when hitting a buzzer-beating game winner, and he is feasting on the meal in front of him.
 San Antonio Spurs vs/@ Utah Jazz Where: Energy Solutions Arena, Salt Lake City When: January 26, 2011, 8:30 PM Spurs Time - Timezone Converter Watch: ESPN
By the Numbers
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Lineups
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Lineups
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Matchup Analysis
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Winner |
Starters
PG: Deron is one of the few point guards who is as good as Tony. If we win this matchup, our odds increase drastically. Also, Parker needs to dominate Fisher.
SG: Whether it's allergies, exhaustion, or just getting tired of being knocked to the ground without getting that foul called, Manu always wins!
SF: AK-47 is everything RJ 2.0 is, except with hair. AK will probably match up with Manu at points as well.
PF: Blair has been on a roll (what Hornets game?) recently, but Millsap has been here longer than Blair. He also nailed 11 points in 28 seconds to send the Heat game into overtime. When Blair starts hitting 3's, then we'll talk about a Spur here.
C: Normally, I would give Jefferson a Spur here. He has been underwhelming so far, which is disappointing. He has some of the best post moves (second to Duncan) and has had big games against us in the past.
Bench
George and Neal are obviously better than their Utah counterparts. However, the fabled San Antonio depth has bit the injury bug. I hope Splitter is up to the challenge today.
Coaching
I already patted Sloan on the back enough. He needs to win a coach of the year award this year, mostly to save Pop the embarrassment.
Intangibles
Spurs still have a recent Saturday on their mind. Utah is on a 5 game losing streak with a game last night against the Lakers
Mojo
The Lucky Duncan Jersey is coming out. This year it has a +/- of about +30 a game. We got mojo!
Prediction
I expect the good guys to be up by double digits in the first half. The Jazz will make a game of it with SA prevailing on some timely Jefferson 3's off Manu's penetration.
Key(s) to the Game
Key 1 - Only one today. We can't let their physicality throw us off our game. The last few games have gotten physical and it has thrown a kink in our offense.
Other Reading
Spurs
48 Minutes of Hell - They just keep getting better. If their community was less ESPNish, I probably would've never made it to this blog.
OPPONENT
Salt Lake City Dunk - Be Kind, Rewind.
Following Along
TV
It's on ESPN, which means another round of talking heads talking about what was happening in Spurs nation in November.
Radio
WOAI 1200AM; Audio League Pass[streaming]
Online
As always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area.
Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. You can also shoot an email to poundingtherockmail@yahoo.com(IMPORTANT: Please include your PtR username in the email for reference) for further assistance.
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Comments
Not first.
Bah!. Spurs are no longer no.1 on offense rating.
Get well soon Bon bon, &erson.
Manu does not "miss," he simply grants the basketball free will to disobey.
- AFA2010
Looks like they will have to settle for being the only team in the NBA in the top 7 in both Off-iciency and D-ficiency. Not too shabby.
[ "Duncan, the Spurs' 34-year-old captain, was aghast when Splitter told him he used to watch him as a kid."]
"I didn't enjoy that at all," Duncan said
D-ficiency does not sound like a good stat at all
by ItCouldHappen on Jan 26, 2011 10:39 AM CST up reply actions
It’s kind of misleading but I like it.
(",)
by day_late_friend on Jan 26, 2011 6:32 PM CST up reply actions
Jazz lost to the Lakers by 29 points last night so other than Deron playing 32 minutes, no one else played more than 29 minutes.
Kirilenko has been coming off the bench the past two games, with first Hayward and then Miles getting the start.
The Jazz are 3-7 over the past 10 games, with the only win vs. a playoff-bound team being over the Knicks 131-125.
Go Spurs! :D
I’ve been sick since the Hornets game (literally sick…post-nasal drip with migraines and high blood pressure) I hope we get another streak going :D
"White-orange, orange, white-green, blue, white-blue, green, white-brown, brown"
Jazz are slumping. Hopefully we continue their misery. Knew it that Big Al’s not a good fit for this team… he’s just not that good or smart defensively, and doesn’t possess a high BBIQ.
"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 26, 2011 8:08 AM CST reply actions
Nice preview JL! Let’s hope the Jazz’s woes continue. I have a feeling that they’ll be out for blood after that game last night.
Thanks for the compliment. If the Jazz aren’t out for blood after last night, my opinion of their mental fortitude will tank.
by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2011 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
Al Jefferson, the Millsap versus Blair matchup, Raja Bell, and the Jazz physicality really worry me. Bell plays great defense still and could really limit Manu. Blair struggles with space-the-floor shooting bigs. Jefferson is a very physical big man who still can have a big game. And of course, as stated above, we struggle with physically dominant teams (notably the Magic, Jazz, Hornets starting to get a mean streak going, and Mavs with Dirk)
The Sunkist Kaiser, most epic thing since the Grizzly BLAAAAAAAIR! Relax, play, and drink Sunkist! Your Kaiser commands it.
I’m putting my money on the physicality not being an issue. The Spurs have been able to handle the Jazz the last couple of times, plus the Warriors tried the whole “get physical” thing and that didn’t really work out for them.
DO the Spurs really struggle with physically dominant teams? They dismissed the Jazz with ease earlier this season. The split with the Magic. Two of their wins over the Hornets were blowouts. And I would not consider the Mavs to be physically dominant, and certainly no more physical than the Spurs.
Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I vow to never mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together again until we have a "quarterback."
I’ve just noticed that when they are playing the more physical teams, it throws off our offense way too much. The New York game (while we won) looked like we were off kilter. Teams have been knocking down our guards consistently in the paint, which throws a wrench into the wheel of offensive goodies that we’ve grown accustomed to seeing.
by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2011 2:48 PM CST up reply actions
The only problem with doing a preview is waking up all excited to read about the Spurs on game day and then realizing, “Oh wait, I already know what was written…”
by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2011 9:31 AM CST reply actions
Ah, yes. We call that post-preview anticipation let down syndrome. It’s not fatal, but it will itch until game time.
by Big50 on Jan 26, 2011 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Recaps have almost the same problem. “Lets see how PtR is officially reacting….oh wait….”
It's in the dictionary under D-E-F-E-N-S-E...I may be wrong, I may be wrong, I may be wrong, I may be may be may be wrong, but I doubt it.
by SpursfanSteve on Jan 26, 2011 1:44 PM CST up reply actions
You caught me… :P I regretfully neglected to put him on there when I thought we were resting him more.
by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2011 11:11 AM CST up reply actions
Jazz
Have played so terribly I’d be surprised if Timmy gets more than 20 minutes tonight. You never know when they will turn it back on but after watching their last few games it seems like they are completely lost on the court.
Ball Chat - Episode 17 - Just Kidd'n Around - 1/25/11
Irreverent, informative, entertaining. A welcomed curveball to mainstream watered down NBA analysis.
http://ballchat.podbean.com
Jazz always play better at home than on the road. That’s what worries me the most about this game.
by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2011 11:12 AM CST up reply actions
“You never know when they will turn it back”
I respect them too, but they are playing like the Cavaliers for the last week and it’s doubtful they figured it out between last nights whipping and tonights game.
Ball Chat - Episode 17 - Just Kidd'n Around - 1/25/11
Irreverent, informative, entertaining. A welcomed curveball to mainstream watered down NBA analysis.
http://ballchat.podbean.com
We need to be
cold blooded
"SMH!!! ITS THAT BAD IMMA A BEAST LOL!!!!" - DeJuan45
by greyberger on Jan 26, 2011 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Thank you for the grand finale’ with the Spurs because i was feeling almost bad for Utah. Cant wait for the madness.
& if 666 is on later i updated my pic to show my pup since we chatted on that last week.
by cojones2thewall on Jan 26, 2011 1:38 PM CST reply actions
JL – You’ve got me in the mood for Spurs-Jazz. Recalling the decades-long difficulty the Spurs had with this franchise in the 90s, like Pop I look forward to playing (and defeating) them, especially in Utah.
Spurs completely suffocated Utah in the first meeting, to the point that the crowd was never allowed to be a factor. Based on how the Jazz have been playing, barring some one-night overcompensation to the mean, the Spurs should be able to jump out early, methodically squash them throughout, then finish it with execution in the 4Q.
JL – I think the Jazz have won two playoff series since then: 2008 and 2010 first rounds.
Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I vow to never mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together again until we have a "quarterback."
You’re absolutely correct about the winning 2 playoff series. I was looking at an outdated results schedule. Thanks!
by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2011 2:50 PM CST up reply actions
Im going to get killed by this but I think Deron is withouth a doubt a better point guard than tony. He can match him point by point (albeit in a different way) and defensively maybe parker is a bit better. But Deron is up there as one of the best at setting up his teammeates.
Of course Tony is a better fit for us than deron would ever be.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
Is it just me, or is DWill really missing Boozer this season? He seemed to be a better PG last season. He is still good, but just doesn’t look quite as formidable to me this season.
"Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
The Jazz are missing Boozer. He is capable of scoring in more ways than Big Al can. And I agree that Deron doesn’t look as formidable as he was last season.
And I honestly think that both Tony and Deron should be given the Spur for this preview.
(",)
by day_late_friend on Jan 26, 2011 6:37 PM CST up reply actions
Yes. They do seem to be missing Boozer. Ironically, even if they still had him they would most probably still be missing him (ala his season with the Bulls so far).
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 6:42 PM CST up reply actions
Williams is a great player. Only thing I don’t like about him is that odd skinny “beard” he wears. Kids these days…
All these GIFs are breaking my browser.
Those beards are really the mark of a douchebag.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
FYI:
Tonight’s game is on at 8:30PM Spurs time (9:30PM for me and the East Coast folks).
↓↘→ ↓↘→ ↓↘→ + P
I thought Spurs time was a 2 hour difference from ECT.
by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2011 6:06 PM CST up reply actions
Oh wow… Here I was thinking it was Mountain time. Thanks!
by Jordan Leithart on Jan 26, 2011 6:07 PM CST up reply actions
FakeCoachPop
I hate Salt Lake City. Reminds me of Slovenia, but without the good looking women.
"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 26, 2011 6:11 PM CST reply actions
GOL
…is that true?
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 6:23 PM CST up reply actions
I’m sticking by my “Tim Duncan = FakeCoachPop” theory.
Free Tiago Splitter!
by Tim C. on Jan 26, 2011 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I think its a good one.
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 6:36 PM CST up reply actions
Grapefruit for the mojo & the win!
by In the 666 on Jan 26, 2011 6:32 PM CST via mobile reply actions
That is a BUNCH ’o Grapefruit destruction there Trip 6!
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 6:38 PM CST up reply actions
Ate ’em all!..
Thanks for the trax by the way! I’ll shoot some more here in a bit…
by In the 666 on Jan 26, 2011 6:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Likewise. DUDE! You ate all of those in one sitting?!?!? That’s like 5 of them!
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 6:43 PM CST up reply actions
“Who likes grapefruit?”..
:::trip 6:::
Had to eat one each for our starters.
by In the 666 on Jan 26, 2011 6:48 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I love ‘em too, but I don’t think I could handle that much citric acid either.
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 6:52 PM CST up reply actions
DOH
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 7:00 PM CST up reply actions
I was gonna make a joke about eating pink fruit but that would probable be pushing it…
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
_.jpg)
Ahoy fellas… early for the game? Doesn’t really matter… let’s get this done: VAH-MOS MEES EH-POOEH-LAHS!!! (y la puta madre que los reparió!)
"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.
Hey
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 6:46 PM CST up reply actions
More Splitter minutes tonight?
By the way, is the game at 9:30 Eastern? That would make it 8:30 Spurs Time.
All these GIFs are breaking my browser.
I hope yes, and definitely yes.
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 6:50 PM CST up reply actions
GSG!
Lot’s of folks here early tonight!
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 6:57 PM CST up reply actions
I can’t keep everyone straight yet rank. You’re in …… G.B. right?
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 7:01 PM CST up reply actions
See? Told ya.
Then game time for you is about 10:30-11:00 local time.
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 7:18 PM CST up reply actions
I’ve got my Spurs at 6:30pm.
I’ve got my undefeated BYU-fighting Aztecs at 7pm.
The games are being played 40 miles away from each other.
Too late for a roadie.
To a sports bar I go…
GO SPURS GO!
GO AZTECS!
"It's hard to see all my teammates working hard and have to sit there and watch the games." "Of course, the massages are nice." ~Tiago Splitter
Howdy, pounders!
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
Hey AFA
"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.
Hey AFA and hey again Argento. We’ve got time for a few hands of cards… :)
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 7:16 PM CST up reply actions
Texas Hold ’em, folks? Strikes me fancey, tonight! And nope AFA mate, not Jazz here… a bit of Jive@Utah, i hope! ;)
"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.
I’m good for 2 out of 3 of those. It’s been too long since I’ve played rummy. It would be great if blogs could have side channels where a few folks could go off and do that for a spell. I suppose that is too specialized a desire to see it happen soon though.
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 7:26 PM CST up reply actions
me reply fail too. :)
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 7:27 PM CST up reply actions
I’m with ya—like an optional running sidebar for mini-games of checkers, cards, dominoes, etc.
DOMINOES—that’s what I’m in the mood to play btw! Not mexican train or that chickenfoot shit, either. Good ole Texas bones :D
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
was thinking that myself: Moon and 42
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 7:33 PM CST up reply actions
Blackjack… mah goodness, a bigger hole in mah pocketses than my ex… ;)
"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.
reply fail, darnit
"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.
Bring on the East!
"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 26, 2011 7:40 PM CST up reply actions
I put one on the last preview, so I’m gonna do it again. This time, a fan-made poster for Bane. (blame the late game for my off-topic-ness)
"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 26, 2011 7:40 PM CST reply actions
With Anne Hathaway’s mouth, she wouldn’t make a bad Joker.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
What other possible thing could I have said? I like to keep things family friendly, like they do in Arkansas.
I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.
Hold on… were you supposed to end it in “jobber”? /scratches his head, looking a bit dazzled/
"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.
So could McBain.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
by Lauri on Jan 26, 2011 7:56 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Did you get mine?
"Entropy isn't what it used to be."
by oldtimeyspurfan on Jan 26, 2011 8:02 PM CST up reply actions
Antsy…
"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.
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