| 21 March 2012
Two nights after putting the clamps on the leading scorer in the NBA, the Utah Jazz hosted the second leading scorer in the NBA, Kevin Durant. A tough task for the young, shorthanded Jazz squad, who had found out earlier yesterday that Josh Howard would undergo season ending knee surgery.
With the previous two meetings being what they were, blowouts, I think Jazz fan was content to let this game be what it is, learn, grow, and move on to the next one. I dont think anyone expected what was to come.
This game started off slow. The Jazz seemed to struggle to get an offensive flow early, partly due to the defensive pressure that Oklahoma City was putting on them. The Thunder were contesting every shot attempt the Jazz took (six blocks by half) and it seemed that it would be a long and difficult night. It seemed impossible to break the defensive stronghold being put on them.
But the struggles ended there...right there...at the end of the first quarter. What came next? A grind it out, back and forth basketball game that proved to be more than anyone expected.
The defense that had gotten them a win in LA came ready in the second quarter. Forcing the Thunder into turnovers and getting in on the rim action themselves. By halftime the Jazz had almost equaled OKC's blocks with five of their own. And had taken an eight point lead to the locker room.
But it is the Thunder we are talking about. You know...Durant, Westbrook, Harden...yeah those guys. And they came storming back in the third quarter behind a blistering 71.4% shooting. Yes they were that hot! But it was the defense that came to play in the fourth, combined with a little fancy showboating and such that found the Jazz on the winning side of the scoreboard in the end.
(AP photo/George Frey)
Highlights:
CJ continues to play well on defense drawing yet another tough assignment in Kevin Durant. After putting on a defensive show Sunday against Kobe, CJ followed it up with yet another brilliant performance helping to slow down Durant. Durant finished the night 6-22 with 18 points and six turnovers. CJ frustrated Durant and contested every shot he took. It’s no surprise that CJ is seeing more time of late. His defensive intensity has risen to new heights. It is obvious that he has made a concerted effort to assert himself more on the defensive end of the court.
Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
Devin Harris continues his hot streak from behind the arc. It was his three straight shots from downtown that opened up the paint for the Jazz in the third quarter, alllowing Jefferson to do his work on the low block against Perkins. Devin Harris has been on fire from outside of late. And for the Jazz, that is a welcome site. When Devin is on is game whether he is darting to the basket or hitting the outside jumper, it opens up a world of opportunities for the rest of the team. Devin has found his groove. That groove that made him an All-Star not too many years ago. And a groove of any sort at the point guard position is huge for the young Jazz team.
Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
Finally, one highlight, one lone highlight was the play of the night. Early in the 4th quarter Jamaal Tinsley, who has been a rock for the team all season called for a pick and roll from Kanter and in one flashy, yo-yo like move, went around the pick, bounced the ball between defenders legs, and put up a push shot that caught nothing but the bottom of the net. Tinsley has been the crafty, headsy veteran who sits his time on the bench and comes in when called upon to simply do what he does. He has been the veteran voice for the team and when called upon, has come in and played basketball. Smart, simple, plain old basketball...with a little flare of course. And he did it again last night. He finished the night with 11 points and three assists, but was a spark that the Jazz needed off the bench.
After all is said and done, the Utah Jazz have themselves a 4 game winning streak going. A streak that has seen them play two gritty overtime games, go on the road and steal a game from the best homecourt team in the NBA, then come home and frustrate the best team in the West.
The Jazz are poised to make a playoff push. And with wins like this, they are making it clear that they will not be denied.
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