Toronto Raptors @ Utah Jazz - Game Thread
by Basketball John on Dec 5, 2008 4:30 PM MST
134 comments
Toronto Raptors at Utah Jazz, Dec 5, 2008 8:30 PM MST
I thought I was going to miss this game due to prior arrangements. But due to it being on ESPN, it got pushed back to 8:30. So I should still be able to catch the second half.
We're still in injury limbo. Boozer is still out. AK is probably out should play. Deron is playing but still rehabbing. It's too bad that the real life players don't come with the health meters their video game counterparts do. You can say you're 80% or 90% or whatever. But was does that even mean? Aren't 53% of statistics made up on the spot? Has Deron even dunked since he's been back? He's driving a lot more. But he gave up a couple of open dunks to RonnieB and CJ - which is fine. When you see him throw one down, then we can say he's back.
So if AK is back, all we're missing is Boozer for a mostly complete team (you can count Harp and Collins out if you want).
It's just hard to evaluate the team yet. One night they look amazing only to have them look flat the next. We all know what kind of team they'll be when everyone is healthy. I just want everyone back so we can stop talking about it.
Anyway, on to the Raptors. They just fired their COY from two years ago, Sam Mitchell. It came as a surprise to me. They were at about .500. But after reading up on it more, looks like the writing has been on the wall for a while.
So Jay Triano coaches for Toronto tonight. He apparently tried out for the Jazz but was beat by some Stockton guy. We'll if he sparks anything in the Raptors tonight. Everyone is worried about LeBron leaving Cleveland, but is their a bigger candidate to leave than Bosh? If the team is doing well, he might want to stick around. But he's going to get paid and might want to leave the northern franchise.
But somehow, having AK back gives me the warm fuzzies. He seems to have been the most consisten force we've had this season. I don't think the team will suffer from a lack of energy with him on the court. I don't know if you could ever accuse AK of giving anything less than his all.
ESPN will be parked outside the ESA with their NBA crew. If anyone heads down there, I'd like to see some pics. Speaking of ESPN, they sent out a preview of their new site today,
Looks pretty good.
And if anyone would like to call during/after the game and yell out their frustrations or excitement, please do at the Dial a Dunk number (801) 618-3336. Best message of the night gets a free 8>3 t-shirt. To win, you'll have to leave your SLCDunk.com username on the voicemail otherwise I won't know who you are. I'll post the .mp3's and let everyone vote. And if anyone would like to record a new voicemail greeting, let me know.
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For your consideration...
Boston closed the half on a 13-0 run and is now up 49-36 on Portland at halftime. Looks like we have a chance to gain a game on the division leaders tonight, coupled with Denver’s blowout loss last night.
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Considering all of the injuries
I think we’re in a pretty good spot only being 2 games back (as it stands now) of the division lead.
here we go
let’s see how the ESPN announcers are tonight, or if I go back to Boler and Booner.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
MEMO
Ballin early. Making up for losing last game practically by himself.
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hmm
I’m the only one with nothing better to do than watch the game on a friday night, eh? (Stupid work schedule.)
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D-Will
ten points already. Clarkpojo’s fantasy team will be pleased.
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I know it.
Finally I might be able to catch back up.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
3 fouls
on J. O’Neal already. We may be getting a bit of the old home court treatment tonight. (about time.)
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
imagine if you will
a time when the Utah Jazz are fully healthy, and we will have players like CJ Miles, Brevin Knight, Paul Millsap, Andrei Kirilenko, Kyle Korver and Kosta Koufos… ALL OFF THE BENCH. Our depth is going to be delightful later this season.
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Looking to replace Boozer next year...
Pants Off, Game On!
by MTN on Dec 5, 2008 9:24 PM MST up reply actions
missed layup by Harpring
in other news, the sky is still blue.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
beautiful move from Deron
and what is “opa?” Is that like the Brazilian exclamation thing?
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
Hey guys,
So, I’m not really watching the game, but I guess it’s going well. I’m trying to ‘build’ a car online. It’s hard.
No,
like trying to figure out what kinda car I want.
Duh, like I would reassemble a car!
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 9:36 PM MST up reply actions
I just realized
Koufos didn’t play in the first half. I thought he’d be needed more in this game to match Toronto’s big front court.
Apparently,
they decided to go with ‘toughness’ instead. That’s the only justification for Matty to have played.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 9:58 PM MST up reply actions
I was out to dinner for my wife's birthday, but the restaurant had ESPN.
I was trying not to watch too much, cuz you know, I should pay attention to my wife. They looked good, but I would like to see some more lock down defense, just for practice’s sake.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
Too bad there had to be a halftime.
Our boys totally cooled off.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:01 PM MST reply actions
So guys.
It is about time to start thinking of what game we can all go see together.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
Rhymes With Satan is grateful
That’s my fantasy team. I forgot you didn’t know that.
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I would love to go to the Dallas game the day after Christmas, if anyone else thinks they can go.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
I don't think I'll be able to make any games this year
I live in Tucson and I’ll be in California for Christmas.
You know what really bugs me...
Most of the people you see in the lower bowl look like they could really care less about the Jazz. I think that only true fans should be allowed in the first 20 rows.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:10 PM MST reply actions
Um,
Isn’t Jason Kopono supposed to be the #2 3 pt shooter in the league right now?
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:20 PM MST reply actions
you're complaining?
oh yeah, he’s on your fantasy team. Because he’s hot. I forgot. :)
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No,
I took him off and added someone else because a certain someone told me it was a good idea.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:25 PM MST up reply actions
So,
Is Price not there tonight? Or has he just been on the bench?
And, why haven’t we seen KK2.0?
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:26 PM MST reply actions
Use your inside sources and find out.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:28 PM MST up reply actions
Even I have to admit that he has played a nice game tonite.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
been the beneficiary of a ton of good passes
but his cuts have been nice.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
I don't mind him as long as he plays within the system.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
Let's pray,
That this is his only game of the month.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:34 PM MST up reply actions
This game is on national TV. Maybe we can garner some interest from other teams and trade him now.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
Man. Andrei Kirilenko is playing well. Welcome back, buddy.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
Sometimes he makes weird turnovers though.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:36 PM MST up reply actions
Not complaining
but maybe he could look for the open guy instead of trying to bounce a behind the back pass between 2 defenders.
Did anyone read JA Adande's chat today? Funny piece on Millsap.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
Here it is.
David Gary,IN [via mobile]: Why do u think John paxson is not willing to trade any of his 1st round draft picks (T.Thomas J.Noah) for a quality inside player like Paul Millsap from Utah?I think this guy could b an allstar if given the minutes,its clear as day with the boozer injury
J.A. Adande: So why, then, would the Jazz want to get rid of him to get one of Paxson’s busts? Really, sometimes you guys could answer your own questions with a little more thought
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
lol
Gotta love fans of other teams.
I think we should trade Morris Almond for Greg Oden. He could be an allstar if he’s not hurt…
And this. Where is Erda, Utah?
Mark (Erda, Utah): Im getting worried about the Jazz? Are they going to be alright?
J.A. Adande: Worried? Your squad’s 4 games over .500 with limited production from Deron Williams, now Boozer and AK are out and you’re still worried? Yes, it’s alarming to watch them drop so many home games, but with the full roster they will be fine. People forget this has been the best playoff team in the West besides the Spurs over the past 2 postseasons, and they’re still in that sweet zone where they’re gaining experience without getting too old.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
That's okay. Those are the teams we struggle against.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
we seriously lucked out
Millsap = Boozer-lite plus defense
Koufos = Memo plus inside presence (minus 3-pointers)
I’m excited.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
yeah
just seems like he’s got a nice energy to his game. He takes high percentage shots and plays intelligently. I can’t believe he fell to us so late in the first round. He’s going to make a lot of teams feel stupid for passing on him.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
very satisfying
well done, gents. To borrow from Herm Edwards, “LET’S BUILD ON THAT!!!”
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Entertaining, yes.
Good coach though… not so much.
Especially his playclock management.
And his special ability to completely blow games after having huge leads.
Or to borrow from Jim Zorn...
I want 3 hips and a hooray. Hip hip…
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
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