Toronto Raptors @ Utah Jazz - Game Thread
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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Comments
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.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 7:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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.
by Vromanite on Dec 5, 2008 7:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 8:41 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
9-0 run
not bad, kids. Keep it up.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 8:47 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
MEMO
Ballin early. Making up for losing last game practically by himself.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 8:53 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
hmm
I’m the only one with nothing better to do than watch the game on a friday night, eh? (Stupid work schedule.)
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 8:54 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
WOOO
running the floor, baby. This is lovely.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 8:56 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Mo............
Please finish that next time
by Vromanite on Dec 5, 2008 8:58 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
D-Will
ten points already. Clarkpojo’s fantasy team will be pleased.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 8:59 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I know it.
Finally I might be able to catch back up.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 9:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 9:05 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 9:14 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
KK
where the Danielle is at?
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 9:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
30 points in the paint!
Pants Off, Game On!
by MTN on Dec 5, 2008 9:20 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Millsap
8 points, 5 boards, 4 assists: looking for that triple double
by Vromanite on Dec 5, 2008 9:21 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Looking to replace Boozer next year...
Pants Off, Game On!
by MTN on Dec 5, 2008 9:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
missed layup by Harpring
in other news, the sky is still blue.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 9:24 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
beautiful move from Deron
and what is “opa?” Is that like the Brazilian exclamation thing?
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 9:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 9:32 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
"build" a car?
like, reassemble?
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 9:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
well, how was I supposed to know?
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 9:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
uh-oh
did you see D just now? He got stuck on the ground. Is he hurt?
Pants Off, Game On!
by MTN on Dec 5, 2008 9:34 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I saw what you saw
but he looks fine now.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 9:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess he looks okay.
Pants Off, Game On!
by MTN on Dec 5, 2008 9:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Halftime
16-point lead. I’ll take it.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 9:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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.
by Vromanite on Dec 5, 2008 9:57 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
Bosh can't wait
to go home.
Pants Off, Game On!
by MTN on Dec 5, 2008 9:57 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:00 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
How many assists for DW?
Pants Off, Game On!
by MTN on Dec 5, 2008 10:01 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
WIlliams looks so smooth out there.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:01 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:02 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Rhymes With Satan is grateful
That’s my fantasy team. I forgot you didn’t know that.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:05 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Bueller?
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm scheduled to work
alas.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:07 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you working on Monday, the 29th?
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
don't have my schedule for then yet
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by Vromanite on Dec 5, 2008 10:07 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
I wish Brewer wouldn't shoot 3's
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
That's what I was thinking
He still needs to work on that to get consistent
by Vromanite on Dec 5, 2008 10:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
you're complaining?
oh yeah, he’s on your fantasy team. Because he’s hot. I forgot. :)
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
good questions, both
I don’t have answers for either.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Use your inside sources and find out.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not magic
my “sources” are at the game right now.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw Price on the bench with D-Will
Not sure why he hasn’t played yet (or Kouf for that matter)
by Vromanite on Dec 5, 2008 10:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
been the beneficiary of a ton of good passes
but his cuts have been nice.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
This game should help our defensive numbers.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:30 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
and our margin of victory
hello, Hollinger rankings.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
God
No Knees with his good game for the month.
And his only game?
by UtesFan89 on Dec 5, 2008 10:33 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
17, 11 and 6
for Millsap. Holla.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Man. Andrei Kirilenko is playing well. Welcome back, buddy.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:36 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Save for that
behind the back pass.
by UtesFan89 on Dec 5, 2008 10:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes he makes weird turnovers though.
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
just life
you have to take the bad with the good
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Not complaining
but maybe he could look for the open guy instead of trying to bounce a behind the back pass between 2 defenders.
by UtesFan89 on Dec 5, 2008 10:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The Koof
in the house.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:40 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Why didn't they put Ronnie P. in?
by DaniellelovesKK on Dec 5, 2008 10:40 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Did anyone read JA Adande's chat today? Funny piece on Millsap.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:42 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Jazz have played the easiest schedule in the league so far
by UtesFan89 on Dec 5, 2008 10:44 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
That's okay. Those are the teams we struggle against.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Koufos is on a 96 pts/48 mins pace.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:49 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
we seriously lucked out
Millsap = Boozer-lite plus defense
Koufos = Memo plus inside presence (minus 3-pointers)
I’m excited.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:52 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I know it. I love him as a back up.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 10:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
and Kouf is only 19
Imagine how he’ll develop in a couple of years.
by Vromanite on Dec 5, 2008 10:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't wait
He’s fun to watch too… even without the fancy dunks and all.
by UtesFan89 on Dec 5, 2008 10:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:56 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
very satisfying
well done, gents. To borrow from Herm Edwards, “LET’S BUILD ON THAT!!!”
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 10:57 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Herm Edwards
hopefully that line is all you borrow from him.
by UtesFan89 on Dec 5, 2008 10:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
say what you want
the dude is entertaining.
"SHOCK THE WORLD!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
by Shums on Dec 5, 2008 11:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Entertaining, yes.
Good coach though… not so much.
Especially his playclock management.
And his special ability to completely blow games after having huge leads.
by UtesFan89 on Dec 6, 2008 5:45 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by clarkpojo on Dec 5, 2008 11:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

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