Los Angeles @ Utah GameThread, May 16, 2008 8:30 PM MDT

Lakers @ Jazz - Game 6 - 2008 Playoffs - Game Thread

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 3:47 PM MDT

Los Angeles @ Utah

Well, this is the first time I've had to say that the season could end tonight. I don't believe it will though. It's actually the first time it's crossed my mind.

But we should know the outcome of this game after the first quarter. It's not rocket surgery, but when the Jazz start out well, it carries through the rest of the game.

Here's one of the problems we have on offense and I believe affects Boozer. When Brewer is in the game, Kobe plays 10 feet off him. He's begging him to shoot the ball. This causes a few problems.

First, Ronnie isn't taking it to the basket. If he has that big of a head start, he should be flying to the rim. If you're not going to shoot, attack.

The biggest problem this causes though is that it allows Kobe to hang out around Boozer on D. So Booze can't get good position. Booze has got to be better at finding the open guy when he's doubled.

Second, Bryant doesn't have to play defense and he can rest his sore back. The only time Ronnie is scoring is when he's cutting along the baseline because Kobe can't keep up.

And Brewer has to play off Kobe a bit. Let him take those jumpers. He's not making them. Kobe didn't take a jumper in almost the last two quarters.

I think Ronnie still does a decent job on him. But I want to see CJ Miles come in to guard Kobe instead of Harp. CJ can shoot, drive, and will open things up for Booze. #15 should not see action tonight unless him and Collins are in mop-up time.

I'm not a basketball strategist by any means. But if Kobe is spooning Boozer when Brewer has the ball on the wing, shouldn't Carlos be screening Kobe and letting Brewer drive to the hoop? If Booze's man leaves him, Carlos just spins, boxing out Kobe, and leaving him open. If not, Brewer has a clear path to the hoop.

And we all know Gasol likes to pitch tents in the lane, but he's a wuss. Just give him one hard foul at the beginning of the game when he comes across. Something that puts him on the ground but doesn't get you tossed. Isn't that what we have Collins for? He might think twice about camping in Utah.

These teams are too close and the only advantage they have is homecourt. This series won't end until Monday night.

Other previews,

Here are your game changers,

J. Crawford

J. Capers

S. Foster

Went out for lunch and saw this group of Jazz fans. Kind of like a tail gate, but it was at the Impanema Grill. Whatever works.

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Comments

okay

I’m terrified and confident at the same time. Is that possible? Yes. Yes it is.

Also, delightful mixed metaphor in the second paragraph, BBJ.

I'll make it.

by Shums on May 16, 2008 3:58 PM MDT 0 recs

I hope people realize it was intentional.

At least that’s what I’m saying.

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 4:09 PM MDT up 0 recs

I assumed it was.

I'll make it.

by Shums on May 16, 2008 4:12 PM MDT up 0 recs

BAH!

Guy with a Korver jersey -1, my friend

by Jazzhole on May 16, 2008 4:14 PM MDT 0 recs

CJ over Harp

I totally agree with you, BBJ~ I just don’t see it happening.. Sloan is sooo slow to change things, and I just can’t see him replacing Harp with CJ at this point in the playoffs. Remember, it took a Hart injury to get Price off the bench even though anyone and their dog who follows the Jazz knew Price was much better than Hart as D-Will’s replacement. Even when Hart got healthy again, Sloan put him in his regular spot for a few games until it dawned on him that Hart actually sucks at basketball… J-Slo.. if you’re reading this.. PUT CJ IN FOR HARPRING!!! PLEASE!!

by neff on May 16, 2008 4:52 PM MDT 0 recs

Not to defend Harpring

because I think CJ’s a far better player with Tremendous Upside Potential… but young players really do crumble in the playoffs if they’re not mentally strong. And CJ Miles is not mentally strong. Whether that’s thanks to Sloan’s insistence on punishing CJ for missing last summer’s Revue, or due to his own inconsistent play and lack of confidence, the fact remains.

That’s what is so rare about young players like D-Will and Ronnie Brewer. It usually takes years to learn that kind of intensity, that kind of will power. Those two are blessed that it came naturally. CJ? Well, we’ll see.

I do think he needs more spot time, but he’s not a player you can rely on. Completely switching CJ for Harp won’t solve all the Jazz ills.

Then again, screw you, No Knees.

I'll make it.

by Shums on May 16, 2008 5:04 PM MDT up 0 recs

CJ should definitely get more run. He provided a spark the other night.

I never met anybody who said when they were a kid, "I wanna grow up and be a critic." - Richard Pryor

by DennardC on May 16, 2008 4:56 PM MDT 0 recs

From my side

This game is the jazz’s to lose. If were down by five or more in the first three minutes the lakers are screwed but if its the other way around or tied then its gonna be a sick game with the odds still to the jazz (laker fan opinion).

Shaq:"The kobster, he's an assassin" Answer for who should be mvp.

by ldeep on May 16, 2008 5:26 PM MDT 0 recs

if boozer doesn’t figure out a way to play against double teams besides his beloved jumpers, the jazz will be screwed next season, because every single team will defend him in the exact same way the lakers have been, and render him completely ineffective. and the season after that. and the season after that…

by moni on May 16, 2008 6:31 PM MDT 0 recs

Ugliest first quarter I've seen in a while.

When did they forget to get back and to shoot?

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:19 PM MDT 0 recs

CJ is in!

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:26 PM MDT 0 recs

How fu**ing long

before Sloan realizes that No Knees CAN’T!!!! guard Kobe?

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:33 PM MDT 0 recs

Someone tell me what value Harp has.

He can’t guard anyone. He can’t create a shot.

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:35 PM MDT up 0 recs

Well...

he’s white. And he’s a vet, which Sloan loves.
Oh, and he’s tough… meaning that he’ll leave his guy wide open when he tries to draw a charge (which he most often fails at).

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:40 PM MDT up 0 recs

Harps....

seems to have a football mentality. Maybe he played football

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:41 PM MDT up 0 recs

Yo Scrum...

football. That might be it. But shouldn’t the Jazz give him to the Blaze then?

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:42 PM MDT up 0 recs

this is unbelievable

how many points do the Lakers have outside the paint? 10?

by neff on May 16, 2008 9:34 PM MDT 0 recs

The Jazz can't play D...

and they better learn… because we’re pretty much stuck with the exact same team for the next 3 years.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:36 PM MDT 0 recs

does this remind anyone of the Spurs series last year?

Remember how Javie and Co. stole Game 4 of the Spurs series and the next game the Jazz just rolled over in Game 5… We got jacked by the refs last game and we have no life in this game. I hate my life

by neff on May 16, 2008 9:39 PM MDT 0 recs

Unfortunately, yes.

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:40 PM MDT up 0 recs

Don't hate your life...

instead hate the refs.
Hating your own life is stupid. It’s not your fault at all.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:41 PM MDT up 0 recs

Just turned the game on a bit back...

does anyone seem like they’ve come to play?

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:42 PM MDT 0 recs

On the Jazz

I mean.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:42 PM MDT up 0 recs

2 players

CJ and Deron

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:43 PM MDT up 0 recs

Just Deron as usual.

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:43 PM MDT up 0 recs

is there anyone you want to punch more than...

Sasha Vujacic?

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:42 PM MDT 0 recs

other than Kobe?

No.. Sasha is a fudgepacker

by neff on May 16, 2008 9:43 PM MDT up 0 recs

Matt Harpring.

And Jerry Sloan.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:43 PM MDT up 0 recs

They'd be after

Kobe though.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:45 PM MDT up 0 recs

Think we can get this to single digits by the half?

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:44 PM MDT 0 recs

not unless

the Lakers miss 8 straight

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:44 PM MDT up 0 recs

The point differential?

Or the number of fans left at the game?

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:44 PM MDT up 0 recs

no way in hell

by neff on May 16, 2008 9:45 PM MDT up 0 recs

Horrible call.

Again.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:46 PM MDT 0 recs

ladies and gentleman

Mr. Crawford

by neff on May 16, 2008 9:47 PM MDT up 0 recs

here comes a 3

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:46 PM MDT 0 recs

Refs you suck?

Is that the chant?

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:47 PM MDT 0 recs

That, or

referees suck

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:47 PM MDT up 0 recs

it sounds like it

I love the NBA

by neff on May 16, 2008 9:47 PM MDT up 0 recs

CLEAN

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:47 PM MDT 0 recs

Unfrickinbelievable.

What’s he doing making that call? He has no angle.

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:48 PM MDT up 0 recs

The ball went away from the hoop

so obviously he was fouled.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:49 PM MDT up 0 recs

i'm starting to pick up

on your sarcasm

by neff on May 16, 2008 9:50 PM MDT up 0 recs

That's good...

I think.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:51 PM MDT up 0 recs

Another horrible call.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:48 PM MDT 0 recs

Everyone is losing it.

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:48 PM MDT 0 recs

God, it's good I'm not a player...

I would’ve punched a ref or 2 already in this game.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:48 PM MDT 0 recs

i hate the refs

by bear toe on May 16, 2008 9:48 PM MDT 0 recs

I hate Fisher more now I think.

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:49 PM MDT up 0 recs

i almost want another malice at the palace

is that bad of me?

by neff on May 16, 2008 9:50 PM MDT up 0 recs

it's natural

I want a soccer brawl, as long as no Jazz players or fans get hurt

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:50 PM MDT up 0 recs

any excuse to blow the whistle

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:49 PM MDT 0 recs

I thought

that the playoffs were supposed to be rougher, that the refs were supposed to let more stuff go

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:50 PM MDT 0 recs

I have to watch the Lakers broadcast in LA

You guys probably don’t realize how much the Lakers are being shafted by the refs.

by SuperBruinMan on May 16, 2008 9:50 PM MDT 0 recs

ummmm

What?

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:51 PM MDT up 0 recs

HA

NM, the Lakers’ guys take on it?

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:51 PM MDT up 0 recs

Yep

They’re probably the most biased commentators I have ever heard. It’s really pathetic.

by SuperBruinMan on May 16, 2008 9:52 PM MDT up 0 recs

Houston's

are pretty bad too. I’m right near Chicago and all the locals say that the Bulls are awful too

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:55 PM MDT up 0 recs

Yeah, they're getting beat up.

by basketballjohn on May 16, 2008 9:52 PM MDT up 0 recs

It's basketball...

not playschool play-time.
Live with it.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:53 PM MDT up 0 recs

The NBA has become kinda like recess

If someone so much as touches someone else, a teacher shows up and stops everything.
The difference beating that there it’s too avoid sexual harassment lawsuits, and here it’s too avoid the bruising of the ego of some NBA-determined crybaby.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:58 PM MDT up 0 recs

Sorry...

I meant superstar, not crybaby. I think.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:58 PM MDT up 0 recs

You mean like when

Deron drives to the hoop & gets hammered, only to get a no call?

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:52 PM MDT up 0 recs

when has that happened?

are we watching the same game?

by neff on May 16, 2008 9:53 PM MDT up 0 recs

I thought it happened at some point in the 1st.

Maybe not… I was busy eating…

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:54 PM MDT up 0 recs

he did

Hubie even said something about it

by Scrum on May 16, 2008 9:54 PM MDT up 0 recs

I think it's time for...

J-Slo to quit.
No Knees to retire.
The Jazz to run out a line-up with Flop & Hart to get a couple of hard fouls.
And then Deron, Brewer, CJ, AK & Okur.
Run & Shoot, my friends.

The Utah Jazz
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on May 16, 2008 9:50 PM MDT 0 recs