Here is Locke's conversation with the Jazz owner right after the announcement of the Western Conference All Star reserves.

1/31 BOLOS

Carlos Boozer was named as a Western Conference All-Star reserve as voted on by the coaches.  Boozer is joined by Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Dirk Nowitzki, Amare Stoudemire, Brandon Roy, and David West as reserves.

Boozer is averaging 22.4 pts and 10.6 rebounds per game and leads the league in field goals made with 424.

Deron Williams was not named to the team.


The All-Star Game will be held Feb 17th in New Orleans, and can be heard on 1320 KFAN.

The Mountain West Conference has suspended Ute guard Luka Drca for a elbow to a TCU opponent in last Saturday's game.

Drca will miss the game against Colorado State on Saturday.

Drca has been suspended under rule 4.2 of the Mountain West Conference Sportsmanship Policy.  The rule deals with the definition of physical abuse.

Carlos Boozer joins DJ and PK and talks about the 11 and 2 January, Deron Wiliams chances for the All Star Game and the Super Bowl

Tonight on TNT the reserves for the All-Star team will be announced.

Here is how it is likely to breakdown.  In selecting the reserves, the head coaches must vote for seven players within their conference, including two guards, two forwards, a center and two players regardless of position.


The Starters have already been named
G:  Iverson, Kobe Bryant
F:  Tim Duncan, Carmelo Anthony
C:  Yao Ming

Two Guards, Two Forwards and A Center
G:  Steve Nash, Chris Paul
F:  DIrk Nowitski, 

1 - The other forward will be Amare Stoudamire or Carlos Boozer
2-  The center will be Marcus Camby or Tyson Chandler. 

Let's assume that it is Stoudamire and Camby that get those selections.

so it is
G:  Steve Nash, Chris Paul
F:  Dirk Nowitski, Amare Stoudamire
C:  Marcus Camby

Now the 2 any position reserves will fall from the following players.

Guards:  Deron Williams, Brandon Roy, Baron Davis, Manu Ginobili
Forwards:  Carlos Boozer, David West, Shaun Marion, Josh Howard
Centers:  Tyson Chandler or Chris Kaman.

My best guess is the decision comes down to .
1 -- Boozer or Chandler
2 -- Deron or Roy or Davis or Ginobili

My prediction is Boozer and Roy (maybe Ginobili) make the team.   But no luck for Deron. 

It is quite a statement for the NBA that the Western Conference non all-star team could be
G:  Deron Williams, Manu Ginobili with Baron Davis
F:   Josh Howard, David West with Shaun Marion
C:  Tyson Chandler with Chris Kaman.

That team wins a lot of games. 

Wyoming - 69
Utah          - 64

Luke Nevill - 25 pts,  9 reb
Daniel Ewing - 21 pts, 3 ast

I don't pretend to know everything, but I think I can spot the obvious.  And when it comes to last possesions in a one possesion game, the Utes aren't very good. 

In fact, 4 of the last 5 games have been decided by the final Ute possesion.  Of those 4 close games, the Utes have walked off the court losers in all 4.  The blame has gone to a bad call, bad execution, and starting too late in the clock, but tonight was different.

Tonight, Jim Boylen said after the game, that what they got was the best option.  I'm sorry but I find many things wrong with that statement.  Boylen told reporters that they had 4 options on the play, and one wasn't open, Bryant didn't like his, and Kepkay's running/fall away three was the best option.  After two timeouts, that was the best you could do?

Why not dumb the play down and instead of trying four different option, try to execute on just one, maybe two.  With four options, each player is trying to get their option to work instead of everybody efforting to make the only option available with off ball screens and such. 

But like I said, I'm not a basketball expert.  But after four failures, lessons should be learned and turned into success.  As a coach, shouldn't you have your go to guy?  Shouldn't there be the one guy, who in a situation like this you look at in the huddle and say, "It's your shot, go get it," then turn to the others and say this is how we are getting him the shot?  If Jim Boylen doesn't have that guy, he needs to be found.

One other problem seems to be consistantly popping up as the Utes struggle.

The Utes once again suffered a offensive drought.  A 10 minute strech spanning the final 8 minutes of the 1st half and the first 2 minutes of the 2nd half where they did not score a field goal (9:53 seconds to be exact.  From a Luke Nevill layup with 7:54 on the clock to a Carlon Brown jumper 1:59 into the second half).  That would equal a quarter of the game without putting the ball through the hoop.  (The Utes did score on 5 made free throws, but that is still just 5 points in a 10 minute stretch.)

For this team to be successful, someone is going to have to be a go to guy to break these droughts.  It looked like that guy was going to be Johnnie Bryant, but he was only 2 - 15 tonight and struggled from the field.  It probaly should be Luke Nevill, but he only had 2 filed goal attemps during that stretch.  So someone needs to step up.

Deron Williams and Mehmet Okur both had a double double in the Jazz's win over the short-handed New York Knicks. Williams handed out 12 assists and scored 22 points. Okur had 12 points and 11 boards. David Locke and Coach Tom Nissalke break down the win here. Next up the Jazz take on the Washington Wizzards on Friday. Jazz Game Night starts at 5 p.m. Hot Rod Hundley will have the call at 6.

Here is Coach Boylen's post game comments.

01 30 BOLOS

Catch the Point Guard's conversation with David Locke right here.

Every night David Locke will keep a live blog of the Jazz game.  Locke wants your thoughts and involvement.   Place comments or questions in the comment section.

HIT REFRESH FOR THE LATEST ENTRY

FINAL SCORE  -- JAZZ 100 KNICKS 89
Jazz tighten the screws for the final three minutes of the game
Very methodical outing by the Jazz.
Never thought the Knicks could win this game.
Okur came back in to finish for Milsap.
This was the get well home stand and the Jazz have done exactly that.  Now it is time to prove they have improved as they have a heavy schedule of games both home and road into the all-star break.
Final Points in the Paint was 62-36.
The Jazz lead wire to wire. 


3:47 4th Quarter -- Jazz 94 Knicks 87
We are all waiting for the Jazz to pull away and it is not happening.  I think this is on the Jazz not as much a credit to the Knicks.
Though the Knicks have found 5 guys to play hard.
The Jazz are not very crisp.
Milsap has played the 4th so far instead of Memo.
Korver has not gotten started tonight,

end of 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 80 Knicks 68
Knicks opened the quarter with a surge and got it to within 4 at 55-51 and at 3 with 57-54.
The Jazz forced a few turns and made a few plays to get the ball back up to nearly 10.
Bench group closed the quarter well.
Boozer has 4 fouls.  He had a hard time with Zack.  Zack has 11 in the quarter. 
Jazz have only taken 9 free throws in the this game, only 4 in the 3rd Quarter.
Points in the Paint is Jazz 52 Knicks 24.


Halftime -- Jazz 51 Knicks 40
Jazz have played well.  Defensively they have been pretty good other than a few really bad breakdowns that have given up dunks.
Halftime show of Bear's Birthday and all his mascot buddies is a lot of fun.
Deron and Carlos are a combined 10 of 15 from the field.
Milsap is 5 for 5 and had three boards and 2 blocks. 
CJ Miles replaced Korver for the final 3 minutes of the half and I am not sure why.

End of the 1st Quarter -- Jazz 26  Knicks 18
Ronnie Brewer is playing with really good energy.
A few more open floor turnovers by the Jazz.
The Knicks are really struggling in the half court sets.
Boozer is killing the Knicks with 11 points.
Okur had three steals and blocked a shot at the rim.
Eddy Curry and Quentin Richardson started but left with flu like symptoms and are unlikely to return.
If the Jazz stay focused they will have a big offensive night.

Jazz v. Knicks Important Numbers
Jazz are the #3 offensive team in the NBA and the Knicks are the #29 defensive team.
The Knicks are the #23 offensive team and the Jazz are the #17 defensive team.

The Knicks are the worst team in the NBA against the shot.
The Knicks are good on the offensive glass ranking #4 in the NBA

Grin (be happy when they shoot, they use a possession below league average):
 Zack Randolph; Jared Jeffries, Quiten Richardson and Mardy Collins

Cringe (be scared; players who use possessions above league average
David Lee and Eddy Curry

The NBA announced today that Utah Jazz players Ronnie Brewer and Paul Milsap will both represent the Sophomore team in New Orleans in the Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam.

Milsap represented the Rookies last year, and this will be his second apperance in the game.  Brewer will make his first apperance at All-Star Weekend.  Both found out this morning following shoot around from Jazz VP of Basketball Operations Kevin O'Connor.

The game will be broadcast on 1320 KFAN on Febuary 15th at 7pm.

Sorry for yesterday's ommission, here is the January 29th BOLOS!

You can hear Locke's conversation with Jazz Coach Scott Layden right here.

AK has been brilliant the last 8 games since returning from his injury.   When the Jazz acquired Kyle Korver I said that the player who would benefit the most would be AK.  However, I thought the more spread floor would allow him to slash to the basket, I didn’t imagine that he would get red hot from 18 feet out.  

Here is a breakdown of AK, pre Kyle Korver and with Kyle Korver

	Before Kyle	With KK
Games	31	10
FG%`	46%	66%
3 pt FG%	32	50
+/- per 48	6.3	10.4
LHM Avg	.369	.463
Pts per FGA	1.4	1.9
Locke Off	12.2	46.3
Impact Rating	524	663

 
These numbers are unreal.   Obviously, it is unlikely that AK can maintain this pace, but there is some correlation between AK’s play and KK arrival. 

 The presence of Korver has spread the floor and allowed everyone on the team to get better shots and better looks. 

 AK is not the only player who is prospering with Korver’s addition.

 Here is a breakdown of D-Will before Korver and with Korver.

 

	Before Kyle	With KK
Games	32	13
FG%`	51%	53%
3 pt FG%	38%	43%
+/- per 48	2.4	8.6
LHM Avg	.329	.455
Pts per FGA	1.36	1.45
Locke Off	25.1	30.3
Impact Rating	506	623

         Listen to David Locke and Coach Tom NIssalke discuss the Jazz'  97-91 victory over the San Antonio Spurs Monday night in the Energy Solutions Arena.  The Jazz got a crucial victory that moved them to 27-18 and gave them the Northwest division lead.  Hear Locke and the Coach break down the victory.  Topics include AK's unbelivable all-around performance, Deron's great passing night, and the Jazz' performance since the Korver arrival.  Whether you saw the game or not, Locke and Nissalke give you expert analysis that only 1320 KFAN offers.   The Coach and David look forward to the Jazz gaining even more ground in the hotly contested Western Conference when they play the Knicks in the Energy Solutions Arena on Wednesday night.  Locke and Nissalke will be on the air at 6 p.m. with the pregame show followed by Hot Rod with the call at 7 p.m.   1320 KFAN is the sports leader.

Every night David Locke keeps a live blog of the Jazz  Action.  We want your interaction.  Put your thoughts and comments in the comment section and Locke will respond during the game.

HIT REFRESH TO GET THE LATEST ENTRY.

FINAL SCORE -- JAZZ 97 SPURS 91
Fantastic night at the ESA. 
The Spurs kept knocking on the door and the Jazz answered each time.  That is huge for this team.
Huge possessions late -- Korver missed and the Jazz got a second chance when a loose ball got tapped out to Korver who nailed the next three.
Harpring, Korver and AK hit big shots late in this game. That is how tough the Jazz have become on the offensive end.   They control the game in the 4th with Boozer getting one field goal.
AK was unreal again.  23 points, 9 of 10 from the field.   moreover, he made numerous plays on the defensive end that altered the game.
Another great possession was a side pick and roll with Boozer and the Spurs tried to jump the pick and roll and Boozer slipped and D-Will found him on a bounce pass that lead to a thunderous dunk by Boozer.
For the second straight night AK got the tough match-up on defense and he stepped up again to the task.
When the Spurs went small late the Jazz finished with Harpring instead of Okur.
Tony Parker had just 4 free throw attempts and was just 1 of 7 from the field. 
The Spurs seemed to be missing that big shot off the bench that they usually get.

Reaction to Comments
Posted by jeremy

Locke -- I said the day of the trade that AK was going to be the one who profits the most.  However, I didn't realize it would be in this manner.   He is playing great.  His offensive confidence is obvious and his defense the last two nights has won the game.    Korver has changed everything. 



3:53 left 4th Quarter -- Jazz 89 Spurs 81
Spurs keep knocking on the door and the Jazz push them away.
D-Will continues to be great in the post-game.
AK came in and slowed down Manu the same way he did to McGrady last night.
D-Will is outplaying Paker badly,
AK hits another big shot or two.

End of 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 76 Spurs 66
The key play of quarter was Ginobili hits a driving lay-up to make it 64-60.  The Jazz take the ball out of the net and rush up floor and Deron hits Brewer for a lay-up.  It zapped any mo the Spurs might get.
Ronnie Price is not a point guard.
Tony Parker just took his first free throw of the game at the end of the Quarter  - one of my keys to the game.
The crowd has been amazing


2:41 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 70 Spurs 60
This is great fun.  What a night.
AK just made the sickest steal of Manu and took it the other way for a dunk.
AK has two buckets and two steals in the last 7 possessions -- this guy impacts the game in so many ways.
Brewer made a nice offensive follow play.
Spurs had cut the lead to three before the Jazz surged

Reaction to Comments
Posted by jeremy

Locke:  AK as offensive weapon is huge. Kevin O'Conner said today on the show he thinks the pressence of Korver has had an impact on the looks that AK is getting.

Halftime - Jazz 55 Spurs 45
The crowd is unreal.   This is Jazz Basketball.
D-Will put on the sickest move.  He lured Duncan out as though he was going off a Boozer pick and that opened the middle.  He crossed over Parker and drove for the hoop and the harm.
AK hit a few more open shots.
The Jazz defense has been good -- they are doubling Duncan and the rotations have been solid.
Korver is a really smart player.  He cut off a fast break with great team d and then drew an offensive foul when he was on the wrong side of the match-up.
The Jazz closed the half on a 16-6 run.  
It is not coincidence that when Korver is on the floor the Jazz are very good.
Spurs have committed 11 turnovers and the Jazz have forced a lot of them.
Boozer has 14, AK has 11 and D-Will has 7 points and 8 assists. 

5:58 2nd Quarter -- Jazz 35 Spurs 34
The crowd is great tonight.  They are really into this game.   Be a part of it at Energy Solutions for the upcoming games, tickets are available for the Knicks and the Hornets.
spurs bench gave the Spurs great energy.  They defensively really put it to the Jazz.

End of 1st Quarter -- Jazz 27 Spurs 19
Jazz came out with aggresiveness
Okur took one to the hoop, Deron hit Booz on a great pass.  AK went to the rim.
Ginobili is really good.  he came off the bench and scored 7 points in 6 minutes
Both teams shot 50%. 
Spurs were sloppy and had six turns
Jazz don't have an offensive rebound.
Parker has not gone to the free throw line.

Keys to the Game.
1.  Keep Tony Parker off the free throw line
2.  Hit the first time, Spurs don't give up offensive rebounds.
3.  Big bench play.

Key Numbers for Jazz v. Spurs

The Jazz are the 3^rd best team in the NBA offensively against the Spurs who are the 5^th ranked defensively.

The Spurs are the 11^th best offensive team, but are 21^st in the NBA over the last 10 games.  The Jazz are the 18^th best defensive team but are 6^th over the last 10 games.

Spurs are the #1 defensive rebounding team in the NBA.   The Jazz are the 5^th best offensive rebounding team.

The Spurs offensive struggles may be related to Tony Parker and if he gets to the free throw line.  Michael Finley and Bruce Bowen are using possessions below the league average. 

Officials
Jim Clark, James Capers, Tommy Nunez

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The Jazz play of late deserves an extra Beep! It seems that all of the team now gets "it". "It" being what it takes to win in the NBA on a consistent basis. Besides having good talent, good coaching, it took some other things too.

Get a few better players to round out the rotation. Namely a new Harpring (freedom from minute restrictions) and the addition of Kyle Korver. Both guys know how to play within a system, can come in "right now" and perform. Not alot of players can do that.

A better schedule. November and December were terrible for any team. Other teams are going through their tough times or soon will-Spurs and LAL to name a couple, so the Jazz will be able to catch up if they don't let up!

Playing with a sense of "Wow" we could screw this up if we don't get after it right now. The "its our team now" or we are taking "ownership" of the team now seems to have vanished and some urgency seems to have taken hold. What the team did last year has nothing to do with whats now and everyone has bought in.

The future is still there for this team BUT Larry Miller hasn't poured the $ into this team with the idea that this isn't a now league! It is! You hope to get better not just each year but right now! Some teams now is sooner than others BUT if you don't work to improve, you fall behind and we see that all the time. The Jazz could be good for a long time keeping the core group together IF there is improvement, if not then changes can occur.

Jazz over Spurs by 8
Jazz over NY by 12

University of Utah's 6th man Johnny Bryant was named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week.

Bryant was unreal at the Pit and then followed at home v. TCU.  He finished the week scoring 49 points and hitting 16 of 26 shots.   Those numbers are better than they look when you realize he was 13 of 21 from three point range.

Her is Locke's weekly conversation with the Jazz Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin O'Connor.

The Utah Jazz have now won back to back road games and 10 out of their last 12 overall as they defeated the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Sunday night.  David Locke and the coach Tom Nissalke break the game down and give you the 3 biggest reasons for the Jazz victory and get you ready for another big game tonight against the San Antonio Spurs.  You can hear David Locke and the Coach Tom Nissalke after every Utah Jazz game only on 1320 KFAN the sports leader.

 dEach Jazz game David Locke keeps a live running blog.  He wants you to interact.  Place your comments or questions in the comment section and Locke will respond throughout the game. 

HIT REFRESH TO GET THE MOST RECENT UPDATE.

BREAKING NEWS -- YAO MING WILL NOT PLAY TONIGHT

FINAL SCORE - JAZZ 97 ROCKETS 89
Deron Williams just had as impressive a stretch as you can see out of a point guard.  Deron took over the game and totally dominated the final 7 minutes.  Against the #2 defense in the NBA (without Ming) the Jazz scored on the final 11 possessions of the game.
Recall earlier this year when the Jazz couldn't execute well down the stretch.
In consecutive possessions, Deron hit Booz on a slip, drove and found AK for a dunk, then another bullett to AK, then a gorgeous pass to Booz.  Then Deron did it himself with a 17 footer. Then one of the best was a far side pick and roll and Deron ripped the pass across the lane to the near side corner where Korver was ready for a dagger three.
AK came into the game with the Jazz trailing 71-70.  He matched up on McGrady.  McGrady still got some but he didn't get good shots and AK disrupted him greatly.

Reaction to Comments
Millsap showed Landry who's the better young undersized PF, although Landry does have a game-leading seven rebounds.
Price did a decent job out there especially on D. I'd like to see him penetrate into the lane rather than just passing to the wing.
Utah--especially D-Will--need to make better passes. Nevertheless, they have fewer turnovers right now largely because of solid D.
Scola isn't winning the battle of the Eurobigs.

Locke Comment:  Milsap, Landry, Craig Smith when will everyone realize talent out does height and measurables.  Price played ok but he has no feel of being a point guard yet. 

End of 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 60 Rockets 59
This was a really poor quarter by the Jazz.  They never looked to have the right focus or feel.
The Rockets have completely taken Carlos Boozer out of the game.  He looks uncomfortable in the post.  Can't get a good look on the outside.  He is out of whack.
D-Will hit some big time and score shots to try to keep the Jazz mo.
The Rockets scored on 6 straight possessions at one point.
Adelman called on Steve Novak, a great shooter a la Matt Bullard, off the bench and he lit up the Jazz for 10 points.
McGrady kept trying to take over but doesn't seem to have that in his game right now.
The jazz have had some simply miserable possessions in the 3rd Quarter on the offensive end.

Halftime -- Jazz 41 Rockets 35
Jazz really played very well in the 2nd.  Unlike the first they ran their offense and the help defense was noticeable.  Milsap was fantastic around the hoop.  AK made a bunch of nice plays.
Korver had an awesome outlet pass to AK, but it was the only fast break execution the Jazz had in the first half.  They were awful on the fast break, turning it over and missing shots.  Jazz were 0 for their first 5 fast breaks.
Okur had two big three's that he missed that could have busted this open a bit.
McGrady is dreadful. He is 1 of 8 and all of his shots came early and could have come late in the shot clock. 


End of 1st Quarter -- Jazz 19 Rockets 16
Rockets are not much of an offensive team without Yao.
The jazz have made a lot of good help defensive plays
The jazz were very sloppy with the basketball.  They turned it over on 4 of their first 7 possessions.
The Jazz are not running through their offense
D-Will has 2 fouls.
Jazz hit just 5 of their first 14 shots.
McGrady has taken everything from the outside and if the jazz keep that they will be fine.

Numbers
Jazz are the 3^rd best offensive team against the Rockets who are the 2^nd best defensive team. 

Rockets are the 18^th best offensive team against the 19^th ranking defensive team in the Jazz.

Keys to the Game
1.  Make it grind out game.
2.  Get some action on the offensive glass.
3.  Big games from the Big players.

Officials
Dick Bavetta, Mark Ayotte and Leon Wood

Over the last 10 games AK is shooting 66% from the field.

Also Matt Harpring is shooting 55% over the last 10 games.

How good is the Jazz offensive right now?  According the my Stud/Dud rating which look at if a player uses a possession above or below the league average every player on the Jazz over the last 10 games is using his possessions above the league average.

Both the Jazz and the Rockets have won 9 of 11.

Jazz are the 3^rd best offensive team against the Rockets who are the 2^nd best defensive team. 

Rockets are the 18^th best offensive team against the 19^th ranking defensive team in the Jazz.

Rick Adelman may be the head coach but the Rockets statistically resemble last year’s team.  They are 2^nd in the NBA in defense and 18^th in offense.   Last year, the Rockets played under Jeff Van Gundy and they were 3^rd defensively and 14^th offensive.

One myth that has no merit is that Rick Adelman is an offensive coach.  If you track his history his teams have always improved defensively when he takes over and have often been very good offensively.

The Rockets are the #2 team in the NBA against the shot. 

The Rockets have this year’s version of Paul Milsap.  His name is Carl Landry. 
However, he has been a far better rebounder than Milsap.  In fact if Landry had played enough minutes he would be the #2 rebounder in the NBA.   Landry is off the charts on numerous numbers evaluations.   The Rockets are dramatically better when he is on the floor. 

All off season the Rockets tried to replace Rafer Alston.  However, now they are totally dependent on Alston on the floor.  When Alston is on the floor they have outscored their opponent by 6 points, when he is on the bench they get outscored by 4.  That is a 10 point differential and that is huge.

The Rockets are better with Tracy McGrady on the bench than when he is on the floor.
 

After BYU beat up on New Mexico on Saturday, Patrick Kinahan sat down with Lee Cummard and Sam Burgess.  Click on the name to listen to the interview:

Lee Cummard

Sam Burgess

The BYU Cougars improved to 4 and 1 in conference play after a sound victory over the New Mexico Lobos 83-66 on Saturday afternoon.  Hear what the following coaches and players had to say after the game:

Head Coach: Dave Rose

Forward: Johnathan Tavernari

Forward: Lee Cummard

Nobody covers the BYU Cougars like 1320 KFAN, the sports leader.

 

Poor Steve Alford – not in the literal sense, of course, considering New Mexico is overpaying him almost $1 million annually to coach a chronically underachieving basketball program.

Alford, the former Indiana golden boy, made his first appearance in the Marriott Center on Saturday as the Lobos coach at exactly the wrong time. And he ran face first into a buzzsaw.

Here’s what Alford learned: BYU’s shooting slump is officially history.

After enduring three consecutive games of shooting less than 35 percent, the Cougars got hot on a warm, winter Saturday afternoon. The result was a surprisingly easy  83-66 win over the shellshocked Lobos.

“Welcome to the Marriott Center, Stevie,” a BYU fan shouted as Alford huddled with his team during a timeout with 11:42 left in the game.

Talk about lousy hospitality – at the aforementioned time, the Cougars were leading 67-38.

Seven seconds later, after an uncontested Trent Plaisted dunk, it was 69-38. It only got worse for the Lobos from there, much to the delight of the loud season-high crowd of 19,932.

Needing something to do with more than seven minutes left in the game, when the outcome was long decided, the practically bored student section was moved to chant: “We want Archie,” in reference to seldom-used Archie Rose.

Rose’s big mistake was not hoisting up a three-pointer. The way this game went, the junior college transfer, in his first year at BYU, probably would have hit nothing but net (as a team, the Cougars made 13 of 16 three-pointers).

"[Coach] Dave [Rose] has done a good job and has a great program," Alford said. "They played at a higher level, and we we no answers for them. We're just not deep enough or big enough."

The massacre in the Marriott began shortly after tip-off, as the Cougars raced out to a double-digit lead after only nine minutes. For BYU, the best part was the defensive intensity that led to winning the last two games despite horrible shooting didn’t go away.

Great shooting and impressive defense is a lethal combination.

As coach  Rose figured all along, it was only a matter of time before the shots started falling, especially for mad bomber Jonathan Tavernari. In the prior three games, the Brazilian had shot 5 of 29 from the floor, including 0 for 13 on three-point attempts.

Against the Lobos in the first half, when BYU built a 44-24 lead, the sophomore forward made 6 of 8 shots, including 4 of 5 three-pointers, and scored 16 points.

"When I made my first shot, I was like, 'Wow.' I hadn't made my first shot in a while. It was a good feeling," Tavernari said.

Burgess, who missed all eight of his shots against San Diego State last Wednesday, buried 3 of 4 shots, including two three-pointers, in the first half.

With the Cougars contesting almost every shot, New Mexico shot 27 percent (9 of 33) in the decisive first half. J.R. Giddens, New Mexico's leading scorer, scored six points on 2 of 8 shooting.

 BYU's best all-around player, Lee Cummard, drew the primary defensive assignment on Giddens. Cummard's line was 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.

"We really did a good job of coming out and executing our defensive game plan at the start of the game," Rose said.

The win puts BYU at 4-1 (15-5 overall) in the conference, tied with UNLV for first place. New Mexico dropped to 3-3, 16-5.

The Cougars go on the road against Air Force (on Wednesday) and Wyoming (on Saturday). They will charter a flight and return from Colorado Springs after the first game.

       The Jazz defeated the Kings 127-113 Friday night in the Energy Solutions Arena to push their record to 25-18.  Listen to Locke and the Coach break down this game that had Carlos Boozer setting a Jazz record, connecting on his first 13 shots from the field.  The Coach and Locke also discuss the Jazz' overall performance with special analysis of AK, Deron, and the rest of the squad.  The Jazz travel to Houston in a very important conference game Sunday  Listen to David Locke and Coach Tom Nissalke Sunday evening at 4 p.m. as they preview the Jazz and the Rockets, followed by the call of the game with Hot Rod at 5 p.m.  1320 KFAN is the home of the Utah Jazz.

Have a thought or a question on the Jazz put it in the comment zone.  Hit REFRESH and the top entry will come up

Final Score -- Jazz 127 Kings 113

Jazz were in control all night.  Had they blinked the Kings would have been there but the Jazz never did.
This was primarily an offensive game, but when the Jazz needed defensive stops they got them. Jazz shot 58% from the field. 
The only real defensive problem tonight was the Kings getting to 42 free throw attempts.
AK was brilliant in this game.  He had 25 points 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
He was 6 of 8 from the field and 10 of 12 from the line.
The Kings got frustrated and chippy in the game.  It has been a long time since an opponent came into this building and got frustrated by the Jazz.  It is great to see.
Matt Harpring played just 14 minutes tonight but had a huge impact.
D-Will had 14 assists and 0 turnovers.  
Boozer finished 15 of 19 -- his 13 straight earlier in the game was a Jazz record. 

After the game Jerry was asked about the defense and he said why don't you ask our players why they can't stay between their man and the basket,  Jeff Hornacek could do it on one leg.   Part of the reason is because Horny could use his hands and these guys can't.

4:15 4th Quarter -- Jazz 115 kings 105

Wild 4th Quarter.  Techs on both Artest and Theus. Harpring was involved in the mess of course.
Artest was in full Artest mode and finally got ejected at the 4:34 mark.
All the absurdity over shadows the fact the Jazz have played very well since they started the run in the 3rd quarter.   They are scoring at will against a poor defensive team. 

End of Third Quarter -- Jazz 95 Kings 87
Offense ruled the quarter until the Jazz went on a 8-0 burst to take a 86-76 lead.
AK was a huge part of the run, great defense, confidently hitting a 18 footer and making a brilliant pass to Boozer.  AK is shooting the ball great.  He catches and releases quickly and with rhythm.
AK hit another three later in the quarter and when he releases the shot you can tell he thinks it is going in.  This one even included a fist pump.
Milsap had a great block.
D-Will is playing well also.
The Kings have no answer for Boozer.  He is 13 for 13 from the field until he missed a lay-up at the buzzer.  Some of the shots have been from as far as 20 feet. 

Halftime -- Jazz 58 Kings 52
A time out was the key to the half,   The Jazz fell apart and the Kings took the lead 42-38.  Jerry called time out and the Jazz answered on a 12-2 run to re-gain the lead.
Defensively the Jazz fell apart for a little early in the 2nd otherwise the Jazz have battled and played hard defensively.  The Jazz have forced 11 turnovers.
Kevin Martin is too tough - he has 17 points.
Same can be said for Boozer he is 6 for 6 and has 13 points.
Both teams are shooting 53%.
AK has been fantastic tonight - he is impacting the defensive end and he has 8 pts, 4 rebs, 3 ass, and 2 blocks. 

End of 1st Quarter  -- Jazz 26 Kings 23

Jazz were active and took advantage of the Kings turnovers.
Brewer missed two wide open 16 footers that would have busted this open.
Kevin Martin gave the Jazz fits, with 11 points.
Mike Bibby looks like he has 50 pound weights on each league.
The Kings have no match-up for Boozer.

My big thing is don't have two inexperience players on the floor at the same time (Milsap, Brewer, Miles, Almond, etc)  the Jazz had Brewer and Milsap together to end the quarter and the lead went from 18-10 to 26-23.  That is a minus 5 in 3:37

Kings Starters LHM Batting Average  (League Average .234)

Brad Miller .334
Kevin Martin .315
Ron Artest .251
Mike Bibby .255
Mikki Moore .153

 Jazz Starters LHM Batting Average

Boozer  .410
AK  .362
Deron .359
Brewer .284
Okur  .170

 Interesting Numbers for Tonight

Kevin Martin ranks #3 in the Locke offensive rankings.
19% of the possessions used by Martin end at the free throw line (3^rd best in the NBA)
The Kings are last in the NBA at taking care of the ball and the Jazz are the #3 team in the NBA in forcing turnovers.
The Jazz are the 3^rd best offensive rebounding team and the Kings are 27^th in the game on the defensive glass.

Cringe (guys who use a possession well above the league average)

Kevin Martin has it.
John Salmons

 Grin (guys below league average in using an offensive possession)

Ron Artest
Quincy Douby

 Officials

Bennett Salvatore, Derrick Collins and Bill Spooner

Best of Locked on Sports -- BOLOS