SLC Dunk - NBA Regular Season: Utah Jazz (9-8) at Houston Rockets (7-8) -- Game 18Our Team Is On The Floorhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/29190/slc-redunk-fv.jpg2012-12-02T14:14:11-07:00http://www.slcdunk.com/rss/stream/34794652012-12-02T14:14:11-07:002012-12-02T14:14:11-07:00Jazz @ Rockets -- GTGS #4 Winners!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hnv__SVtvtRcEtffd8JNMHWM8PA=/0x6:800x539/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4287757/gtgs_small.0.png" />
</figure>
<h3>NBA Regular Season 2012-2013, Game 18:</h3>
<h3><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> 116 @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> 124<br></span></h3>
<p><u><a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-game-streams/2012/12/1/3715424/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-18">#UTAatHOU Game Stream</a></u> -- <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> (SB Nation Blog) -- <span>Jazz vs Rockets coverage</span></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/9/11/3318604/free-contest-slc-dunk-guess-the-game-score-2012-2013-schedule">#GTGS Full Schedule</a> -- <b>Results</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/11/24/3685796/slc-dunk-guess-the-gamescore-1-results"><u>#1 @ SAS</u></a> , <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/11/24/3685850/slc-dunk-guess-the-gamescore-2-results"><u>#2 vs PHX</u></a> , <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/11/24/3686032/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-7-6-at-sacramento-kings-3-9-guess-the"><u>#3 @ SAC</u></a> , #4 @ HOU</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<p>So contest #4 is in the books. The contest page was here, and we're getting fewer and fewer people entering in this each week. I guess people are either down on the Jazz, or the Jazz fan base. Let's get it together guys!</p>
<p>Anyway, great job by the winners this week!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1820293/GTGS_4_-_Results.PNG" target="_blank"><img alt="Gtgs_4_-_results" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1820293/GTGS_4_-_Results.PNG"></a></p>
<p>Honorable mention goes out to @Jake_W_J , @gorn1 , and thatdoolinkid. You guys were all 1 pt off of getting points this round. Thanks everyone for playing, and let's go Jazz!</p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2012/12/2/3718796/slc-dunk-guess-the-gamescore-4-resultsAllThatAmar2012-12-02T11:16:23-07:002012-12-02T11:16:23-07:00Jazz @ Rockets -- Game Recap
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d2NQdMPi0PFrAUD2j7vna44BnTk=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4278195/20121008_ajl_ax5_329.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Game #18 • Toyota Center • Houston, TX • December 1, 2012 • 6:00 p.m. (MT) • TV: ROOT Sports • RADIO: 1280 AM/97.5 FM and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes</p> <h3>NBA Regular Season 2012-2013, Game 18:</h3>
<h3><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a> 116 @ <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> 124<br></span></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-game-streams/2012/12/1/3715424/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-18" target="_blank">#UTAatHOU Game Stream</a> -- <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> (SB Nation Blog) -- <span>Jazz vs Rockets coverage</span></p>
<p><i>Houston, if <span>Jeremy Lin</span> has a PER of 12.6 and is making $8.4 million dollars, then you have a problem.</i></p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>Game Recap:</h4>
<p>Somehow . . . I'm not upset with this loss.</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>First Half:</h4>
<p>The Jazz took a 9-0 run early in the first to make this game look like a laugher early. The Rockets responded with a 7-0 right after to even the score. It was a surprising quick start for our starters, and I felt really good about how things were going. The second quarter was more up and down with our bench falling behind, clawing their way back, and then our starters falling behind by 10 at the half. Chandler Parson was a big doo-doo head with his good basketball playing. Jeremy Lin and James Harden were mostly kept in check at the half.</p>
<p><span>Mo Williams</span> started off super hot going perfect in the first quarter, and Big Al went 4/7 to start the game. Also of note is that <span>Jeremy Evans</span> played in this game. Yes, my mind is blown.</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>Second Half:</h4>
<p>The second half was a whole lot of Barney Rubble. But we were right in it, taking the lead in the fourth with our starters (and <span>Alec Burks</span>) in the game. We ended up losing by 8 to a team I hate. And I don't really want to examine it too much. We have so many other, better, things to talk about today.</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>Top Performers:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<span>Gordon Hayward</span> (SG/SF, 30:48) -- Hayward had a fine game shooting the ball, scoring 21 points (8/12 shooting, with 2/2 from the FT line and 3/5 from deep). He was getting it going from all over the court . . . off of screens, on the move, and on spot ups. Really, when you have a two way wing scoring 21 points off of 12 shots (1.75 PPS) you don't have much to complain about. Hayward was a little light on the other parts of the game though, only 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 block, and 4 turn overs . . . we feel like he's capable of being a bigger part of the game than just shooting. The one rebound in 30 minutes thing makes me a little unhappy -- especially on a night where one rebound here or there would have made a difference like tonight. STILL THO, that 3rd quarter where he came off the bench and went 4/4 fg, 1/1 three, 2/2 ft looked really good.<br>
</li>
<li>
<span>Randy Foye</span> (SG, 32:11) -- Without a doubt, tonight was the best game I've seen Randy Foye play in his career. He was the opposite of what Hayward was tonight, and showed an all around game. Foye finished with 20 points (8/11 shooting, 4/6 from downtown), which is phenomenal even for him. But even more amazing was the rest of his game, 6 assists (2 turn overs, so 3:1 ratio), he put the ball on the floor, created for others, and also split the defense a number of times and scored at the rim (something that's very rare for him -- so it's important to point it out). He also had 2 rebounds, 3 steals (could have easily been 5 if he was a little but luckier with how the ball bounced), and 2 blocks. He had his trouble on defense tonight with James Harden, like he had the previous night with <span>Kevin Martin</span> -- but by the boxscore he was a huge part of what we did tonight. He had an even more impressive 1.82 PPS. While that may not be sustainable, I truly do enjoy how well he's playing when he's playing at his best. And he played at his best last night. He did a lot of great things on the floor, and while he wasn't perfect, he did display more to his game than just being a guy who shoots the ball every time. He did what he had to do to show to me that he can be a starter in this league. I hope he keeps it up, because the rest of his performances this year haven't exactly given me that confidence in him.</li>
<li>Mo Williams (PG, 35:55) -- Mo had a 16 and 7 game and somehow he's the third guy I'm talking about. These are numbers that would have us written sonnets if <span>Devin Harris</span> did them. I think it's clear that Mo has been much mo' of what we needed. He pushed the pace, went 2/3 from deep, and shot 53.8 fg% while not being rattled by the hype of Jeremy Lin and giving him the business. (Lin had 2 more points but shot worse) Mo did have 4 turn overs, but some of them were ref mistakes -- when you attempted a pass and the defender kicks it, it's a kicked ball. Not a turn over. Dumb.</li>
<li>
<span>Al Jefferson</span> (C, 37:24) -- Big Al had 20 points and 8 rebounds, along with 1 steal, block, and assist. He didn't get to the line at all against this weak-ash front court even once. He played 37 minutes and didn't dominate. I'm beginning to suspect that Al would be the best second banana in the league. A first banana gets either a double double or 30 on this team. He didn't have to defend anyone, and had trouble covering in the pick and roll -- but one thing that he was previously showing was a dominating inside game. These last two games had him making more and more outside shots, and less inside ones. This, to me, is going backwards. I will point out that in the 4th there were one or two post up attempts that SHOULD have resulted in him going to the line. But I can't blame the refs for everything -- I'd want to though. Al got robbed on those.</li>
<li>Alec Burks (??, 14:18) -- Is Burks a shooting guard? You know how some people are listed at PG but only because they were too short to play SG? Is Burks listed at SG only because he's 1 inch too short to be called a SF? Tonight's game of "As Burks Turns" frightened me. He took more of those "no, no no, no . . . YES!" shorts that I would rather he did not take. They went in tonight (one floater over <span>Omer Asik</span>, one step back three right in <span>James Harden's</span> face). He had 11 points off of 4/7 shooting (57.1 fg%), went 1/2 from deep, and drew a number of fouls -- going to the line 3 times and making two. One of the things i NEED from a starting SG is to shoot 80 ft%, and Burks and Hayward both fall below that. (Check that, Hayward must have been on a tear, the last time I scouted him he was below 80%, now he's at 83.3 ft% -- good job, Hayward!) Burks continues to muck it up, play defense, not get lots on screens (he did get lost on one though, but ONLY one), and he played his game. He drove. He elicited defensive fouling. He got a ton of deflections. He also added 2 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block. It would have been more steals too, but that's how the ball bounces. Burks also handled the ball, set the team up in the half court, and brought the ball up the court against pressure. Hopefully soon we will return to the fabled Foye/Burks bench backcourt at some time. I really think it MAY work if you give them time.</li>
<li>
<span>Paul Millsap</span> (PF, 35:57) -- Sap had a double double, 12/11, with 4 assists and 1 steal. He went to the line 6 times, making 5. He even made a three. So why is he so far down? Well, 12 points off of 11 shots isn't much to be happy about. He shot 3/11, and we know he's better. I guess what we know to be true is that he's playing through an injury. It's beginning to show. (Methinks he's fearing the youngs breathing down his neck)</li>
</ul>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>Game Changer:</h4>
<p>The second time the two starting lineups faced off the game changed. In a bad way. In the second quarter both teams went back to their starters to finish off the half and the Rockets went on a 14-5 run that the Jazz would have a tough time recovering from. The Jazz spent the entire 3rd quarter fighting back from the halftime deficit, and then being gassed in the fourth. The Jazz bench fell behind by 6 in the second quarter, but fought back and essentially tied it for the starters to lose again. It wasn't fun.</p>
<p>It also wasn't fun the second time our two bench units faced off, this time in the fourth. That time the Rockets bench went on a 20-7 run. Eeep. I think what this tells us is that we need to mix and match a little more. We did that against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> -- and it worked. We know it works, as <span>Scott Brooks</span> always plays one starter on the floor at a time. From a deep study of the lineups we've used the 5 on / 5 off line changes don't seem to be working as each time you're relying on cold people to somehow warm up and continue the flow of the game.</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>Ooooohhhh Moment:</h4>
<p>The Earl to Hayward alley oop. Either that or making Asik bleed. Both are good.</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>The Good News:</h4>
<p>Our worst schedule stretch of the season is over, and we still have over 60 games left to play.</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>The Bad News:</h4>
<p>The Jazz are 9-9 and people are going crazy for non-sense reasons and some injuries are starting to creep up.</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>Going forward:</h4>
<p>I have a whole freaking post on this coming up today, so just hold on . . .</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>Post Game Immediate Reaction Video:</h4>
<p>If you missed this somehow . . .</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LfDE3ThLu60?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LfDE3ThLu60?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" mce_src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LfDE3ThLu60?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> </p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2012/12/2/3717832/utah-jazz-116-at-houston-rockets-124-game-recapAllThatAmar2012-12-01T22:57:53-07:002012-12-01T22:57:53-07:00Jazz @ Rockets -- Immediate Post Game Rxn Video
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NMWqjl_vvIfBSwUE9QqetFDKqRc=/148x42:865x520/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4256215/20120309_hcs_sy4_041.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Game #18 • Toyota Center • Houston, TX • December 1, 2012 • 6:00 p.m. (MT) • TV: ROOT Sports • RADIO: 1280 AM/97.5 FM and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes</p> <h3>NBA Regular Season 2012-2013, Game 18:</h3>
<h3><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a> 116 @ <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> 124<br></span></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-game-streams/2012/12/1/3715424/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-18" target="_blank">#UTAatHOU Game Stream</a> -- <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> (SB Nation Blog) -- <span>Jazz vs Rockets coverage</span></p>
<p><i>Houston, if <span>Jeremy Lin</span> has a PER of 12.6 and is making $8.4 million dollars, then you have a problem.</i></p>
<p><object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LfDE3ThLu60?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LfDE3ThLu60?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" mce_src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LfDE3ThLu60?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> </p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/videos-podcasts/2012/12/1/3716542/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-116-at-houston-rockets-124-immediateAllThatAmar2012-12-01T20:23:45-07:002012-12-01T20:23:45-07:00Jazz @ Rockets -- Final Score: UTA 116, HOU 124
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WF2-V8NN1TKRYYsOC5ivrNaKIDc=/0x167:2858x2072/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4251755/20121127_kkt_at5_922.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Game #18 • Toyota Center • Houston, TX • December 1, 2012 • 6:00 p.m. (MT) • TV: ROOT Sports • RADIO: 1280 AM/97.5 FM and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes</p> <h3>NBA Regular Season 2012-2013, Game 18:</h3>
<h3><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a> 116 @ <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> 124<br></span></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-game-streams/2012/12/1/3715424/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-18" target="_blank">#UTAatHOU Game Stream</a> -- <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> (SB Nation Blog) -- <span>Jazz vs Rockets coverage</span></p>
<p><i>Houston, if <span>Jeremy Lin</span> has a PER of 12.6 and is making $8.4 million dollars, then you have a problem.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>BPPPPPPPPPPPPPPDKFODKFODKFDFSD!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>#analysis</p>
<p>#professionalism</p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2012/12/1/3716448/nba-regular-season-final-score-utah-jazz-116-at-houston-rockets-124AllThatAmar2012-12-01T16:59:16-07:002012-12-01T16:59:16-07:00Jazz @ Rockets -- Game Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2Tpunpq3x-LKUhmDU21_YXrxPVg=/0x1112:2666x2889/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4244483/20121119_ajl_ai4_141.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Game #18 • Toyota Center • Houston, TX • December 1, 2012 • 6:00 p.m. (MT) • TV: ROOT Sports • RADIO: 1280 AM/97.5 FM and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes</p> <h3>NBA Regular Season 2012-2013, Game 18:</h3>
<h3><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a> (9-8) @ <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> (7-8)</span></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-game-streams/2012/12/1/3715424/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-18">#UTAatHOU Game Stream</a> -- <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> (SB Nation Blog) -- <span>Jazz vs Rockets coverage</span></p>
<p><em>Houston, if <span>Jeremy Lin</span> has a PER of 12.6 and is making $8.4 million dollars, then you have a problem.</em></p>
<p><font color="white">X</font></p>
<h4>Probable Starters:</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1818115/G18_UTA_at_HOU_-_Starters.PNG" target="_blank"><img class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1818115/G18_UTA_at_HOU_-_Starters.PNG" alt="G18_uta_at_hou_-_starters"></a> <br id="1354406247995"></p>
<p>We know that Derrick Favors is now out, and Marvin Williams . . . eh . . . I didn't get a chance to check on him. Chandler Parsons is also a question mark. I guess I'm really bad at this hobby.</p>
<p><font color="white">X</font></p>
<h4>BEHOLD: All of the Important Numbers!</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1817969/G18_UTA_at_HOU_-_Teams.png" target="_blank"><img class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1817969/G18_UTA_at_HOU_-_Teams.png" alt="G14_uta_at_sac"></a></p>
<p>Once again, we live at the line, and they rarely foul / or block shots. Both teams are great on the glass, particularly on offense. They want to run, so we should try to slow it down. That's about it, I guess.</p>
<p><font color="white">X</font></p>
<h4>One last thing:</h4>
<p><font color="white">X</font></p>
<h3>GO JAZZ GO!</h3>
<fieldset class="poll-box">
<legend>Poll</legend>
<h5 class="poll-title">Who will win tonight?</h5>
<div id="poll_container_157395_540406358" class="poll_container">
<div class="poll_option clearfix">
<div class="poll_option_percentage" style="display:none">38%</div>
<div class="poll_option_result">
<h5>The Mighty Utah Jazz</h5>
<div class="poll_option_bar"><span class="vote_count">5</span> votes</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="poll_option clearfix">
<div class="poll_option_percentage" style="display:none">62%</div>
<div class="poll_option_result">
<h5>The Houston Rockets</h5>
<div class="poll_option_bar"><span class="vote_count">8</span> votes</div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="poll-total-votes"><strong>13</strong> votes
| <span class="poll-has-closed">Poll has closed</span>
</p>
</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
jQuery(document).ready(function(){
new SBN.Poll('poll_container_157395_540406358').animateResults({renderImmediately:true});
});
</script>
</fieldset>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2012/12/1/3715900/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-threadAllThatAmar2012-12-01T16:09:28-07:002012-12-01T16:09:28-07:00Jazz @ Rockets -- Game Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xIGimtkjKbUJ7Ufbv4AVJziko_Q=/0x50:2667x1828/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4242851/20121119_ajl_ai4_380.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Game #18 • Toyota Center • Houston, TX • December 1, 2012 • 6:00 p.m. (MT) • TV: ROOT Sports • RADIO: 1280 AM/97.5 FM and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes</p> <h3>NBA Regular Season 2012-2013, Game 18:</h3>
<h3><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> (9-8) @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> (7-8)<br></span></h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-game-streams/2012/12/1/3715424/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-18">#UTAatHOU Game Stream</a> -- <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> (SB Nation Blog) -- <span>Jazz vs Rockets coverage</span></p>
<p><i>Houston, if <span>Jeremy Lin</span> has a PER of 12.6 and is making $8.4 million dollars, then you have a problem.</i></p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<h4>The Basics:</h4>
<p>The Houston Rockets last played on November 28th, and lost to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> (120-98). We last play last night, and lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder as well (106-94). We lost *better* than they did, but it'll mean nothing if we lose tonight.</p>
<p>So far this season the Rockets have kicked it into overdrive -- being the 5th best scoring team in the league by points per game, despite having the 10th best rated offense. The difference? Their pace. The Rockets play at the fastest pace in the league. (Checking twitter seems like I'm not the only person to say this . . . <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/274990705804447744">as Locke just tweeted the same thing</a>.) So far this season Utah has played the style of game the other team wants to play, I wouldn't be shocked to see an up and down game tonight. In fact, the Rockets should try to do that as tonight is the second night of a back to back for the Jazz, and the third game in four nights.</p>
<p>A smart team would TRY to do that, especially with our current injuries.That said, both teams have injuries.</p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<h4>History:</h4>
<p>These two teams play four times this year, and have already played once. The game's final score looks closer than it actually was, as the Jazz won <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201211190UTA.html">102-91 in Salt Lake City</a>. It was a rout as the Utah stomped on Houston 32-18 in the second quarter and <span>James Harden</span> took himself out of the game at halftime. The Jazz shot 43% from deep, blocked 11 shots, and had 55 total rebounds. It was vicious. Tonight, I guess, is payback. Historically the Jazz are 97-79 against Houston, but only 36-52 on the road. Last year the Jazz won the season series 2-1.</p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<h4>STAAAAATS!</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="G18_uta_at_hou_-_teams" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1817969/G18_UTA_at_HOU_-_Teams.png"></p>
<p>The interesting thing here is that the Jazz (even though they've played 11 of 17 on the road) are the #3 team in going to the line overall, and have the 7th best FT/FGA ratio in the league. On the opposite side, the Rockets are 2nd best at NOT sending the other team to the line, as they have the 2nd best FT/FGA ratio on the opposite side of the spectrum. Both teams are solid rebounding clubs, the Jazz are better - but Houston is no slouch on the offensive glass.</p>
<p>This game is going to be all about free throws and rebounding. That's not just because of the team stats, that's just how these games always end up being decided by.</p>
<p><font color="white">X</font></p>
<p><font color="white">X</font></p>
<h4>Injury Report:</h4>
<h4>Rockets Injuries --</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<span>Cole Aldrich</span> (C) QUESTIONABLE -- Cole has a sprained right ankle</li>
<li>
<span>Carlos Delfino</span> (SG/SF) QUESTIONABLE -- Carlos has a strained groin</li>
<li>
<span>Chandler Parsons</span> (SF) QUESTIONABLE -- Chandler has a strained right shoulder</li>
<li>
<span>Royce White</span> (PF) OUT -- Royce is out with an anxiety disorder.</li>
</ul>
<p>None of those four guys played in their last game, and their last game was two nights ago. So, their main dudes could be good to go.</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<h4>Jazz Injuries --</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<span>Marvin Williams</span> (SF/PF) ??? -- Marvin sustained a concussion three nights ago against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a>, and he could be ready to go. I don't know. I haven't examined him, and I don't know how severe his TBI was. TBI is kinda my thing though, so I'm really itching to find out.</li>
<li>
<span>Derrick Favors</span> (PF/C) OUT -- I'm calling Favors out because of a strained right foot he sustained last night in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder. There's no reason to keep him out -- especially not with how great <span>Paul Millsap</span> plays against Houston, and how capable <span>Enes Kanter</span> looked last night.</li>
<li>
<span>Raja Bell</span> (SG) OUT -- He's busy right now because he found out about the Hunger Games novels.<br>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>Advantage --</h4>
<p>Delfino and Parsons are good guys, but I don't think they are important to the Jazz are Marvin and Derrick. I'd give the Rockets the advantage here, when you couple it with their rest and how this will be our third game in four nights . . . it's clearly in their favor. I will update this as necessary throughout the day, though.</p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<h4>The Game:</h4>
<p>In the first game we only got a sick James Harden for half a game. Tonight he's going to want to come back strong, avenge his poor performance in the previous game, and somehow make up for the blowout loss they took a few nights ago against the Thunder his in "return game". <strike>This could be a very emotionally charged game for them as it could also be the return home game for Kevin McHale who had just lost his daughter to an illness.</strike> Talked with my bestie Rockets fan, McHale is not set to return yet.</p>
<p>And it's another road game.</p>
<p>So it's not going to be easy, but it would be great to get a win.</p>
<p>The Rockets like to run. With <span>Omer Asik</span> they get a ton of boards on the defensive glass (they are #13 in the league, and Omer gets 8.5 defensive rebounds a game). That's step one. The next step is to have some fleet of foot ball handlers who like to run -- they have that with Harden and Jeremy Lin. Step three is to have good floor spacing in transition and a bunch of spot up three point makers. They also have that with Harden, Delfino, Chandler Parsons, <span>Marcus Morris</span>, and <span>Daequan Cook</span>. Heck, add <span>Toney Douglas</span> to step 2 and 3 here as well. Spot up threes off of halfcourt dribble penetration and transition threes are the first two courses in Rockets basketball this year where they don't have a back to the basket big. They are #2 in the league in hoisting up threes this year, at 23.1 three pointers a game.</p>
<p>Defensively they are in shambles. They are #29 in opponents PPG, and #18 in defensive rating. If we can slow down the game (and God help us, we really need to control the tempo of games), and limit the number of possessions, then their attack is less awesome; and it focuses on half court execution.</p>
<p><span>Al Jefferson</span> is really good at scoring in the half court. We're going to need him to be effective tonight if we're going to win. So that means slowing it down. They can't handle us if we slow things down. (So, predictably, I expect this game to be an up and down affair that neutralizes our best scorer . . . )</p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<h4>Player Focus:</h4>
<p>Enes Kanter has to be the man to step up tonight. Especially after he poured in 18 and 7 last night off the bench in only 15 minutes of action. He's a legit 6'11, wide body -- and lottery pick. If people are finally going to move beyond Paul Millsap and Big Al it's going to be because Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter consistently show that they're better than the #3 and #4 bigs on a team. If Kanter and build on his good play last game with another solid outing it'll be in everyone's favor, especially Derrick Favors who hurt his foot last night.</p>
<p>In the first meeting between these two teams Kanter scored 6 points (3/5), had some dunks, and grabbed 8 rebounds, swatted 3 shots, and dime 3 times in 21:21 of action. It was the type of game he's capable of having against the likes of Omer Asik, <span>Patrick Patterson</span>,, <span>Terrence Jones</span>, and crew. I want to see that again tonight.</p>
<p><font color="white">X</font></p>
<p><font color="white">X</font></p>
<h4>X-Factors:</h4>
<p>No one wants to mention it, but this season a huge saving grace for the Jazz this year has been that the other team is missing a lot of free throws. Our opposition is making only 73.9% of their free throws this year, which means the Jazz are ranked #11th best in the league at that. Our opponents have gone 312/422 (missing over 100 FTs) in 17 games. That's missing -6.5 extra points per game for the other team. That's big when you consider our margin of victory is razor thin right now. </p>
<p>Of course, I'm also going to mention <span>Alec Burks</span> here. Depending on how deep we are tonight we may actually get to see Alec play in back to back games. If so, much of what I said about Enes comes true here too. He's going to have to continue playing well and build on the momentum of his last game. He didn't have a great game against the Thunder, but he did the things on the court that distinguishes himself from <span>Randy Foye</span>. You can't beat Randy Foye at being Randy Foye. Yes, you went 1/3 from downtown; but what makes you more interesting is your defense (man defense, plus steals and blocks). These are things Randy didn't do last game. Do more of that.</p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<h4>Word from the Badguys:</h4>
<p>I'm really spacing on these. Expect more good stuff coming your way this month. Ho. Ho. Ho.</p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<h4>As an aside:</h4>
<p>I felt like the Jazz had a shot to win 10 of their first 18 games. And we're right here. If you actually look back at what I predicted <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/7/30/3202276/the-official-slc-dunk-2012-2013-utah-jazz-schedule-post">back in July you'll see that I'm 100% right</a> for what we'd be going into this game (scroll down to Amar's July Predictions in the November section). Of course, after the preseason when I did my preview of<a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/schedules/2012/10/31/3582080/utah-jazz-2012-2013-schedule-october-and-november-preview"> October and November I thought we'd be at 12 wins</a>. But after the month started I re-evaluated where we'd be after this game and I said<a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/schedules/2012/11/22/3679858/utah-jazz-regular-season-2012-2013-end-of-november-schedule-preview"> 9-9 waay back on November 22nd</a>. So what did we learn from this? We learned that optimism aside, this is where I predicted we'll be. I'm not the only one to predict this mark, but I was one of them. But hey, I'm not going to crow about it. I know my team and I know my basketball.</p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<p><font color="white">.</font></p>
<h4>Fearless Prediction:</h4>
<p>Jazz win, why? Because the Jazz finish strong and I hate the Rockets. That's why!</p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2012/12/1/3715496/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-previewAllThatAmar2012-12-01T14:28:16-07:002012-12-01T14:28:16-07:00Jazz @ Rockets -- Guess the Game Score #4
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OwH0PoUocjRaLdzhQEsWLYhtOCE=/0x6:800x539/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4238239/gtgs_small.0.png" />
<figcaption>Photo: Russ Isabell - US PRESSWIRE; Photoshop: AllThatAmar</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Game #18 • Toyota Center • Houston, TX • December 1, 2012 • 6:00 p.m. (MT) • TV: ROOT Sports • RADIO: 1280 AM/97.5 FM and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes</p> <h3>NBA Regular Season 2012-2013, Game 18:</h3>
<h3><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> (9-8) @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> (7-8)<br></span></h3>
<p><u><a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-game-streams/2012/12/1/3715424/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-18">#UTAatHOU Game Stream</a></u> -- <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> (SB Nation Blog) -- <span>Jazz vs Rockets coverage</span></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/9/11/3318604/free-contest-slc-dunk-guess-the-game-score-2012-2013-schedule">#GTGS Full Schedule</a> -- <b>Results</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/11/24/3685796/slc-dunk-guess-the-gamescore-1-results"><u>#1 @ SAS</u></a> , <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/11/24/3685850/slc-dunk-guess-the-gamescore-2-results"><u>#2 vs PHX</u></a><u></u> , <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/11/24/3686032/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-7-6-at-sacramento-kings-3-9-guess-the"><u>#3 @ SAC</u></a>\</p>
<p><font color="white">x</font></p>
<p>Here's the deal:</p>
<ul>
<li>This contest is free, but the prizes are real</li>
<li>Last season the constest winners won giftcards to Fanzz or NBA.com's Store</li>
<li>If you play you may win</li>
<li>If you don't play, you will <u>not win</u> </li>
<li>To win you have to win a draw at the end (there are 5 winners)<br>
</li>
<li>The draw is weighted -- the more times you win a GTGS night the better your chances of winning the final draw become</li>
<li>There are five winners for every GTGS night</li>
<li>YOU could be one of them!</li>
</ul>
<p>Write down in the comments section what you think the final score will be. Or if you don't want to share with the class, tweet the @SLCDUNK twitter accounts. <i>(@ALLTHATAMAR gets too many mentions and I end up missing some, sorry</i>!)</p>
<p>Let's get going!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ps. If you do write down your guess here, and you are on twitter -- also include your twitter handle in your post below so I can get at you quickly.</p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2012/12/1/3715450/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-guess-theAllThatAmar2012-12-01T14:23:03-07:002012-12-01T14:23:03-07:00Jazz @ Rockets -- Media Notes
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2KGzV9O2PO1tlFa6HDlGs7K8zqk=/0x33:800x566/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4227459/jazz_media_notes.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Game #18 • Toyota Center • Houston, TX • December 1, 2012 • 6:00 p.m. (MT) • TV: ROOT Sports • RADIO: 1280 AM/97.5 FM and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes</p> <h3>NBA Regular Season 2012-2013, Game 18:</h3>
<h3><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> (9-8) @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> (7-8)<br></span></h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-game-streams/2012/12/1/3715424/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-game-18">#UTAatHOU Game Stream</a> -- <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> (SB Nation Blog) -- <span>Jazz vs Rockets coverage</span></p>
<p><i>Houston, if <span>Jeremy Lin</span> has a PER of 12.6 and is making $8.4 million dollars, then you have a problem.</i></p>
<p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6XDroORPnaiWDVabmZoUU9YWTg/preview" height="480" width="640"></iframe></p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2012/12/1/3714738/nba-regular-season-utah-jazz-9-8-at-houston-rockets-7-8-media-notesSpencer Campbell