The Utah Jazz are fighting, kicking and screaming all over the court in their rough-and-tumble lockup with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although the Lakers came into the series as favorites to advance, the Jazz have impressed all with their determined play.
The Utah Jazz have proven that last year’s ascent to the Western Conference Finals was no fluke. The Jazz are for real, and they are proving to be one tough out in this year’s NBA Playoffs. Although down in the series, the Jazz have proven that tough, smart play still has a place in the NBA.
Deron Williams has led the charge for the Jazz. His floor leadership has been shining, and the Jazz, like Kobe Bryant with the Lakers, would be nowhere without their leader. Carlos Boozer also leads the ranks, providing bruising play down low, with the Lakers not having an answer for the tough Power Forward at times.
The Jazz have been great at home this season (37-4), and the Lakers have not found an answer in the playoffs in Utah either. It could come to a decisive game 7 back in Los Angeles at this rate, where the Jazz would once and for all need to find an answer to move back to the Western Conference Finals.