Originally posted by: UTmtnbiker
I find it amusing that most of the posts here think GS only needs to win one at Utah and the series is theirs. Yes, GS played 2 close games in Utah but that's not to say that if Utah steals one in GS, which is a distinct possibility if these two games were any indication, that the series could easily go 4-1 or at most 4-2 for Utah.
IMHO, these 2 games, along with a 3-1 series win over the Suns this season shows that the Jazz can run with any of the up tempo teams in the league. As a matter of fact, I think it's the Houston's and San Antonio's of the world that really give Utah grief. For some reason, those teams can really punish Utah. Let's not forget that Utah was the 7th highest scoring team in the league (granted, GS was #2) while still maintaining the 17th best 'D' (GS was dead last) points wise. Shooting percentage wise, Utah was 3rd while GS was 11th.
Generally, I think Utah can run with GS. They may not be able to jack up the 3 as well, but Utah's other advantages make up for it including rebounding and FT % (74% vs. 71% for GS). Rebounding wise, the Jazz just punished GS again tonight, which is really IMO the only thing that kept them in the game since they were giving the ball away like it was radioactive.
Of course, stats don't tell all of the story. You have to still play the game, but it's not like this is the Utah Jazz of old, where every play is the pick n roll. Tonight's game I think demonstrated that quite well. Although they may start with that, it's very much like the triangle offense in that they have many options: 1) the pick man doing the roll 2) the curl coming off of the baseline 3) the drive and kick out from the point guard or 4) the scissor play flaring out to the 3 pt line.
Utah has just as much heart as GS, although maybe not as well publicized. Fisher was clutch tonight and in the post game interview on TNT, it looked like he almost broke down and cried talking about his daughter. That's gutsy dealing with a child with cancer, surgery, and then hitting a big 3 in OT.
Yes, I'm a Utah fan, and in any other situation, I'd be rooting for GS. I'm a big Nellie fan and loved Mullins when it was Run TMC. I'm glad they beat Dallas, but my heart here says Utah wins the series. I can only pray the Suns make it to the WC Finals, as I think the Spurs will pound us like we're in prison.