Friday 5/11

Golden State v Utah (Jazz up 2-1) – The Warriors once again proved how tough they are to beat at home. The Oakland crowd just propels them to new heights, there’s really no denying it at this point. Even though GS ended up winning Game 3 by twenty, they were only +2 points combined in quarters one, three and four. Granted, the NBA does count baskets scored in the 2nd quarter, and that’s where the Warriors took over the game outscoring Utah 40-22. Another huge advantage for GS was behind the 3-point arc, where the Warriors enjoyed a 27 point bulge (15 makes to 6). The Jazz went on two separate runs in the second half that almost made the game competitive, but each time Baron Davis (32 points, 9 assists, 6 steals & 4 rebounds) slammed the door shut in their faces.

If I’m Utah coach Jerry Sloan I’m not too worried because the adjustments for Game 4 should be simple to execute. First, the Jazz need to do a better job taking care of the basketball. 23 turnovers in the zoo that is Oracle Arena just won’t get the job done. Deron Williams and Derek Fisher staying out of foul trouble will help that, as will the possible return of rookie Dee Brown. Next, Carlos Boozer absolutely *must* touch the ball more. Booz had only one shot in the 1st quarter, three in the 2nd, five in the 3rd and one in the 4th for ten total (he was 8-10 from the field). That’s not going to cut it, especially when Carlos had been averaging 19.1 attempts per game in the post season before last night. If Utah can do those two things Sunday I think we’re in for another classic game. If not, another blitzkrieg may be on the horizon.