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Thursday, May 8, 2008

So you're telling me there's a chance!



Only 13 of the 211 teams that lost the first two games in a best-of-seven NBA playoff series have been able to come back and win after falling that far behind.  Could the Jazz be team number fourteen?  Or, are those odds insurmountable for this years team?  

We watched them do it last year against Houston in the first round when they went down and stole game number seven away from the Rockets.  Who's to say they can't do it again this year against the Lakers?  I think the Lakers are definitely a better team than what the Rockets were, but I would hope that the Jazz are as well.  

We've all heard the old, worn out adage that a series isn't really a series until someone wins on the road.  As cliche as it sounds there is some truth to that statement.  The Jazz still have a chance to get back in this series with the next two games being played at the ESA, but they cannot afford to let the Lakers get a split.  The Jazz need to hold down the fort and take both games #3 and #4 if they realistically have a chance.  

Jazz fans, don't jump off the wagon just yet.  There is still a lot of basketball to be played and I am confident we still have a lot of cheering to do.  This thing isn't over just yet. 

The Jazz had their opportunities in game's 1 and 2 to get a win but it didn't work out that way.  In both games they dug themselves a hole early on that they ultimately, despite a good effort, were not able to overcome.  It wasn't all bad though and hopefully the team can come back and put it all together here at home. 

Boozer seems confused on the court as to what to do to get out of his funk.  He was useless to the Jazz in game #2.  Not only did he not perform on the offensive side of the ball, but he had no answer to stop Odom on defense from driving to the basket for easy layups. Props to Milsap for stepping up and having a great game in his absence.  There for awhile in the first half Paul was what kept the Jazz in the game.  

Deron started slow but turned it on in the third quarter.  I think the switch has been flipped and he realizes now how he can exploit Fisher.  Doug Collins spoke of that very thing during the game. 

Speaking of Fisher, as much as I still question his motives for leaving Utah, that guy buried the Jazz last night.  He had a great game, especially shooting from behind the three point line.  He is a true competitor.

The Jazz are playing now with their backs against the wall.  That's not such a bad thing though because this team does well when they are pressured.  I would expect them to come out Friday with a fire underneath them.  We will see a completely different team than the one we have seen thus far in LA.  

Eventually that will have to change though.  They need to be able to take that same intensity on the road to win this series.  It's a long shot, but maybe an elimination game #7 in LA is just the motivation this teams needs.  

My prediction is that we'll at least make it that far to find out.  

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