Our generally explosive bench gave up 21 points in the first half and led a mild comeback late in the 2nd quarter, but the Mavs pushed the lead to 13. The Jazz cut the half time lead to nine on a buzzer beater by Bell and then to eight on a technical (Dirk at the end of the half) freethrow by Harris to start the second.
Third quarter started out with the Jazz running about 8 possesions in a row with one and outs. The crowd was audibly annoyed and frustrated with the offense and the lack of execution. The Jazz put together a fantastic run led by defense, which held the Mavs to 11 3rd quarter points and tie the game at 71 going into the fourth.
GAME CHANGING MOMENT: The Watson technical foul, the Favors ejection and the CJ steal and Dunk all within about 45 seconds of each other. Crowd blew up, Dirk gave up and the Jazz went up by three.
GAME CHANGING MOMENT: Ty substituted Harris (who was having a horrific game) in for Watson who had led the Jazz back from the dead and was controlling the tempo of the game. I personally feel that this substitution was only the second coaching mistake by Corbin this season. The second mistake was not calling the timeout against the Lakers a week or so ago.
High Notes
Free Throws- The Jazz shot phenomenal from the free throw line, hitting 16 of 17 in the first half, and finished with 26-29 89.7%.
C.J. Miles- played an all around fantastic game. He didn’t shoot especially well, but he had timely steals, passes,rebounds, and some fantastic dunks. He was super aggressive for the second straight game, which leads to good things happening for the team. Jazz fans know that he is a much better player when he is aggressive and doesn’t “think” about things.
Team Chemistry- Earl Watson is everything good about NBA basketball. He works his ass off, is a fabulous teammate, teaches and mentors both on and off the court, and doesn’t take crap from anybody including Dirk. I think having Raja, Tinsley, and Howard are great for the team chemistry and leadership. Millsap has quietly become the on court leader and the team usually goes as he goes.
Hayward Steal and Dunk
I am upset with a loss that should/could have been a win, however the team played defense when they had to, they are listening to Ty, and are gelling very nicely. I too feel like Earl Watson in the post game interview, "Tonight we had a chance to go from good to great -- we let one get away.”
Low Lights
PNR- The Jazz did not cover the pick and roll well last night. In fact they didn’t help the helper or play very good defense at all. They got dominated in the paint giving up 48 points mostly from guards and Marion. I dont feel like we took the night off because the third quarter was fantastic we held the Mavs to 11 points. However I think we let the Mavs get whatever they wanted in the first half.
Raja Bell and Devin Harris finished 2-13 and none bigger than an airball by Harris with 45 seconds left in the game that would have cut the lead to one.
Substituting Harris for Watson late in the fourth quarter-see my thoughts are above.
I hate losing. I hate losing when we should/could have won. I originally thought we would be horrible, I am very satisfied with where we are at as a team right now. Most of all, I am entertained.
Original Story:
http://www.theutahjazzblog.com/2012-a...
