Dave Fox and Alema Harrington discuss what happened in game 5 last night as the Jazz now get ready for game 6 coming up on Friday night and Travis Rycroft from the Utah Grizzlies came on the show to discuss the Grizzlies who come home for game 3 of their best of 7 with Victoria (1-1).  It's all right here on the best of Powerhouse.

The Jazz and Rockets have played 20 quarters of basketball.   If you split the first 10 and the second 10 you can see how this series has swung.

First 10 quarters Jazz Offensive Efficiency = 110.8
Second 10 quarter Jazz Offensive Efficiency = 93.7

I think it would be fair to say the Jazz have an offensive problem right now.  The Rockets defense is ranked #2 in the NBA and they are winning the battle of the Jazz strength v. the Rockets strength.

Defensively the Jazz are slightly off but it is probably in part due to the offensive slide.

First 10 quarters Jazz Defensive Efficiency = 98.9
Second 10 quarters Jazz Defensive Efficiency = 102.8

The Utah Jazz were pounded by the Houston Rockets in game 5 of their first round playoff series.  Now the series will move to a game 6 on Friday night.  Listen to the game on 1320 KFAN, the sports leader and watch the game on KJZZ 14 all part of the fan super sports network.  Until then, take a listen to the post game reaction from numerous players and coaches from the game on Tuesday night.

Rick Adelman

Tracy McGrady

Ronnie Brewer

Andrei Kirilenko

Mehmet Okur

Carlos Boozer/Deron Williams

Jerry Sloan

The Jazz  get it handed to them in Houston 95 - 69.  Your chance to sound off right here on thefansports.com, click on the comment link below to add your thoughts and read those of other fans.

Tickets go on sale at 10 am for Game 6.  Call 325-SEAT, or go to utahjazz.com or ticketmaster.com.

This poster was given to us by a listener.  It was seen in the arena during Game 4.

Locke sat down with Jazz Assistant Coach Ty Corbin and talks about the series with the Rockets and some needs tonigth to pull out a win. Here is Locke with Coach Corbin.

Back to our regular format from Houston. Locke stumbled onto a very funny conversation before the Opening Smash, a short statistical breakdown concerning scoring and the time of the game, as well as a conversation with Jazz Assistant Coach Ty Corbin discussing the needs in this series. All conversations can be heard right here on BOLOS!

1320, K-Fan is live on the road with the Utah Jazz.  David Locke is keeping a live blog of the Jazz and Rockets Game 5. Place your thoughts and comments in the comment section during the game.

FINAL SCORE -- ROCKETS 95 JAZZ 69
blowout from the beginning of the 2nd Quarter and never changed
The Jazz blinked tonight.  It was inevitable that someone would blink and it was the Jazz.
The question after the game is whether or not it was adjustments or whether it was energy.
Rafer Alston changes everything, he puts each of this guys in their right place.  Bobby Jackson comes off the bench and match-ups up on Kyle Korver.

End of 3rd Quarter -- Rockets 74 Jazz 55
Jazz have been off all night.   This game has been over since the beginning of the second quarter.
Not the fire you want to see coming out.  The Jazz allow the Rockets to shot  13 of 19 in the quarter.
My concern is the Rockets have made some changes offensively and have spread the floor and going more 1 on 1 on the Jazz slow footed defenders and it is working.  Is this just the Jazz are lacking the help side tonight or have the Rockets moved people on the floor.  That is the conern. 
Boozer has had a good offensive quarter which is good news.
Okur came off the floor screaming at someone, either Booz or AK.
Korver was late coming out of the locker-room to start the game and then sprinted back to the locker-room during a time out.  Not sure why

5:48 3rd Quarter -- Rockets 56 Jazz 42
Jazz had a decent run going and they had two of the most absurd offensive possessions.  First AK decided to shot a three early in the clock and the Jazz got the offensive rebound and Brewer decided to take a 19 footer right after the rebound before running a play.   Then two possessions later Brewer tried to go one on one for on McGrady as though he was McGrady and missed and it turned into a three point play the other way.
The Jazz did have a 9-0 run but it get eliminated quickly.
Utah is switching all guard on guards picks so the Rockets are getting McGrady on D-Will a lot.

Halftime -- Rockers 43 Jazz 32
Deron had 9 of the Jazz 16 2nd Quarter points and he assisted the other two field goals. 
Deron is the only one playing. 
Boozer got a put back at the buzzer and hit a 15 footer so that might get him out of the doldrums.
Boozer is 3 for 8.
The Jazz simply lacked the hustle and energy.  They weren't as active on the boards.
Both teams are shooting poorly.  Jazz at 37% and the Rockets 39%
Jazz have 10 turnovers.
Bobby Jackson has crushed Kyle Korver on both ends and made it hard for the Jazz to play him.  Jazz got outscored by 9 in this 2:30 on the floor.
Jazz have zero points off the bench.



5:46 2nd Quarter -- Rockets 35 Jazz 21
It is about time to tell you when Game 6 tickets go on sale.
This is awful.  The Jazz blinked.  They have no urgency.  They are not the aggressor.
Offensively, it seems to me the Rockets are spreading the floor more and isolating their offensive players who are beating our guys 1 on 1.
Boozer just snapped.  He got snuffed inside and then threw his arms around demonstatively and got a T.  I didn't think he got fouled but you have a better view on TV

10:24 2nd Quarter -- Rockets 25 Jazz 16
The blink might have just happened.  The Jazz bench just came out a dud.
7-0 run to open the quarter.
Bobby Jackson drove at Kyle Korver for a lay-up then followed with a three.  When he is good off the bench the Rockets are tough to beat.

End of 1st Quarter -- Rockets 18 Jazz 16
A really ugly quarter.
Boozer's poor play on the offensive end is now an issue -- He went 1 for 5 and the hoop was a put back.  Boozer was great on the boards, 5 boards
Alston hit two three's.
McGrady went 3 for 7 and no free throws.
Scola has two fouls

2:21 1st Quarter -- Rockets 15 Jazz 14
Brewer is playing way to soft on McGrady.   He is getting whatever position he wants and conducting.
Boozer got his first bucket on a put back -- he is 1 for 4.
Both teams are 6 of 15 from the field.

5:26 1st Quarter -- Jazz 10 Rockets 7
We talked all day on Locked on Sports if someone is going to blink.  I think they both may be blinking.
Both teams look exhausted.  Neither team has great energy,  Shots that should fall aren't.
Memo has had two open looks three's and hit them both.
D-Will got a lay-up on a cut through the middle these are plays the Jazz haven't had all series.
Battier got a lay-up on a drive he hasn't got all series as well.
Rockets are 3 of 12 to start.
Boozer is 0 for 1

Schedule for Round 2
If the Jazz win either Game 5 or 6 we will play Sunday in LA.  They have not announced the time but I would anticipate it is an afternoon game.

Keys to the Game.
1.  Get an early start -- The Rockets will come out a ball of fire with elimination on the line
2.  Avoid the Blink --- this series has been amazingly intense and at some point some one is going to blink for a few moments.   It will determine the game.
3.  Get Carlos rolling early -- Carlos has hit just 6 of 17 in the 1st Quarter and 3 of 11 from outside 10 feet. 


Ending a Series in Houston
1985 - the Jazz won 3 games to 2,
1997 - the Jazz won 4 games to 2 when John Stockton hit the shot.
2007 - the Jazz won last year in Game 7 when Memo hit the three.

Looking toward Game 5 tonight and a chance for the Jazz to close out the series and advance to face the LA Lakers. These are my four keys to the game.

1. Get Boozer going early. 

In the first quarter of the series Boozer is just 7 of 19 from the field.   The real issue he is not hitting his mid-range jumper. He is 3 for 11 on shots outside of 10 feet.   Of his seven field goals in the first quarter of games 3 of them are off follow ups on the offensive glass. 

Despite his age, Dikembe Mutombo is still one of the most effective defensive players in the NBA.   Yesterday on my radio show, Locked on Sports 3 to 6 on 1320,K-Fan, both former NBA Coach of the Year Rick Carlisle and former NBA Coach of the Year Tom Nissalke talked about how tough the match-up for Boozer is with the length of Mutombo followed by the physical athleticism of Chuck Hayes and Carl Landry.

2. Non Paint Two’s Early

I believe we have mentioned this a few times already. The Rockets goal is to make the opponent shot non-paint two’s, shots that aren’t in the paint or from the three point range.

Early in each game the Jazz have fallen into that trap. The Jazz have taken at least 8 field goal attempts as non-paint two’s in the first quarter of Games 1-4. They have not taken that many in any other quarter.

Moreover, the Jazz have been very unsuccessful with those shots. They are a combined 10 for 38 in the first quarter on non-paint twos.

3. Start well

All of these are intertwined. The starts have been very important in this series. The team that has lead after the first quarter has won each game.   The team that has taken the largest lead in the first half has won each game.   As crazy as it sound the team leading at around the 6:00 mark of the 1^st Quarter has won each game.

4. Late Game Stud v. Dud

For all the signs that show that the early parts of the game matter it feels as though end of game heroics are determining this series. Most of the talk has been about the inability of Tracy McGrady to hit shots late in games. He went 0 for in both Games 1 and 2 and only attempted 1 shot in Game 4.   He is 3 of 16 from the field in the 4^th Quarter.

On the flip side, Deron Williams has been outstanding.   In the 4^th Quarter of this series Williams has 10 for 18 from the field.   In the three wins he has been 9 of 14 from the field in the 4^th Quarter.

Greetings from Houston.   I just returned from the morning shootarounds of both the Rockets and the Jazz.   If you are expecting a bunch of up tight, super serious athletes you would have been greatly disappointed.

            At Jazz shootaround the rookies, Almond and Fesenko, had to sing Jason Hart happy birthday.  It wasn’t good.  The Rockets play a free throw shooting game that leads to uproarious laughter, arguing and taunting.  Not any different than any 5 people on the play ground.

            The talk was all about the comments by Rockets Head Coach Rick Adelman and the physical play.   Only Tracy McGrady was willing to say it was really physical.  Matt Harpring said it was a good video for text book defense.

    Not sure if this was a sign but as I walked to the Toyota Center today their is an energy company with a digital board reading and it gives the temperature and the time and then a message and today's was "Three Down One to go."  This was next to the Toyota Center so I thought it was strange.  Maybe it is a sign. 

            Inside it all there is an awful lot of respect from both teams to their opponent.

 Here are some of the media sessions from the day.  This is all the raw audio

 Carlos Boozer

 Luis Scola

 Shane Battier

 Tracy McGrady – hysterical. 

DJ and PK talk about the Lakers moving on to the second round. They talk about politics compaired to sports and finish up discussing why Kobe Bryant is the moast hated and most feared player in the NBA.

Locke pulled off the impossible today with a complete show while he was on an airplane. Here are the best interviews from today's show and tune in tomorrow as Locke will get you ready for Game 5 live from the Toyota Center.

Former Coach and member of the Jazz game day broadcast Tom Nissalke -- Will the Jazz offense explode, or is this the reality of the series?

Former Jazz Shooting Guard Jeff Hornacek -- Horny's impression of the series and what he likes the most that he has seen

Craig Ackerman from the Rocket's radio team -- the member of the Rockets radio team is certain that this series will get back to Salt Lake City

Jazz General Mangager Kevin O'Connor -- among the elements in this series, how impressive has the bench been?

Former Coach of the Year and ESPN basketball analyst  Rick Carlisle -- what has stymied Carlos Boozer this year compared to last year's playoff series.

Alema Harrington and Dave Fox discuss who the pressure is on in this best of 7 series between the Jazz and Rockets, why Tracy McGrady's comments may be a good thing for the Jazz and they get you ready for game 5 coming up tomorrow night.  It's all right here on the best of powerhouse.

Tracy McGrady can't seem to remember how to say Deron Williams name.  So we thought we might help him out with a montage of highlights set to the Eminem tune "My Name Is."  Enjoy!

D-Will - My Name Is.

The Utah Jazz are one win away from going back to the Western Conference Semi-Finals.  They'll travel back to Houston with a 3-1 series lead and an opportunity to close the series in 5.  Utah has won 4 in a row at the Toyota Center dating back to game 7 of last year's playoff series.

Carlos Boozer:  Why the Jazz have played well in Houston (4 wins in a row).

                             Rates his performance so far in the series and what he has to improve on.

                             A game 5 win could be critical, especially if the Lakers win.

 Deron Williams: Wants to close the series out as soon as possible.

                                Why the experience from last year has helped them this year when learning how to close games out.

                                What does he think of T-Mac not knowing how to say his name?

                                Where can he improve his game in this series?

Jerry Sloan:  Wants his team's confidence on the road to remain the same.

                        Deron has been clutch, but a lot of his teammates have been too.

                        Defensive performance through the whole series has been great.

                        How Boozer has still been very effective in other key areas.

                        Why 3 point shots have to be quality.

Andrei Kirilenko:  How well the Jazz have done against McGrady

                                Could the Jazz win again if they go 0-14 from long range?

Ronnie Brewer:   The Rockets have been better and better as this series has gone on.

                                Houston will bring a game 7 mentality to the floor tomorrow.

Note: Paul Milsapp did not practice because of a migraine.

Game 5 comes your way tomorrow night at 7:30.  Listen to the game on 1320 KFAN and watch the game on KJZZ 14, all part of the Fan Super Sports Network.

     Listen here to Coach Tom Nissalke and David Locke break down the Jazz 86-82 victory over the Houston Rockets Saturday night at Energy Solutions Arena.  Locke and Nissalke fill you in on his game and what to expect in game 5.  Stay tuned to 1320 KFAN for Tuesday night's Game 5 in Houston. 

The Jazz took a commanding 3 games to 1 series lead over the Rockets wtih an 86-82 win.  The Jazz will try to close the series out on Tuesday night in Houston where they have won 4 in a row.  Take a listen to the coaches and players after the game on Saturday night. 

Kyle Korver

Mehmet Okur

Rick Adelman

Shane Battier

Rafer Alston

Tracy McGrady

Wow what a game.  My stomach is still churning.  What are your thoughts on the win. How about Deron's dunk or Memo's free throws.   The defense on McGrady or the Rockets never ending effort. 

Put your thoughts in the comment section

Extended Jazz coverage tonight on 1320, K-Fan.

Monday on Locked on Sports catch ESPN broadcaster Rick Carlisle plus Jeff Hornacek and the Fab 5 at 5.

Each night of the playoffs David Locke will keep a live blog of the Jazz playoff game.  Place your thoughts and comments about the game in the comment area.

FINAL SCORE -- JAZZ 86 Rockets 82
I think I am about to puke.  This is too much.
Deron went to the line with it 84-82 and 7.3 seconds left and missed both of the free throws
Memo got the offensive rebound and hit both free throws.
The last team to win a playoff game without hitting a three was the Denver Nuggets was in April of 2006.

:12.5 4th Quarter -- Jazz 84 Rockets 80
Korver just hit two free throws to make it a 2 possession game.
Jazz went up 82-73 with 2:10 to play when Deron Williams scored on back to back sick drives the basket the first with a dunk.
Then the Rockets hit three's from Battier and Alston to make it a 2 point game with :18 left.

2:42 4th Quarter -- Jazz 78 Rockets 73
Jazz are running pick and roll after pick and roll.  The side pick and roll has been much better than anything from the top.
Jazz have no field goals in three minutes
Jazz are in the penalty - Rockets have just 3 team fouls.
Crowd has been standing for the last 10 minutes.
Jazz have 6 turnovers in the Quarter same as they had in the first three quarters.

5:10 4th Quarter -- Jazz 76 Rockets 69
Jazz are 0 for 11 from three -- last time the Jazz had a playoff game with zero three's was in Chicago on June 6th 1998 in the NBA Finals.
Korver has been willing to come off the three point line and take the 17 footer and has hit it.
Jazz went on a 8-0 run.  Rockets missed 7 straight shots.
Harpring guarding McGrady so far this quarter.

8:13 4th Quarter -- Jazz 72 Rockets 67
Deron Wiliams with back to back amazing "I will will this team to a win" drives to the basket.
With that said I might rest Deron for two or three possessions to make sure he is fresh.  He looks gassed and he has had an elbow, back and wrist injuries in the this game.
The Rockets are going at Korver every time the thing is they aren't always scoring in fact they aren't scoring very well so it is almost a decoy, but they are beating him each time.
Jazz had just 6 turnovers in the first 3 quarters and have 2 already in the 4th
McGrady is back in, when he is in Rockets are +6, when on bench they are -11

End of 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 66 Rockets 61
These didn't hold last game but Jazz are now 34-2 when leading after 3 and the Rockets are 3-24 when trailing after 3.
McGrady is battling tonight.
Boozer has missed 7 straight shots and seems reluctant to shot.  He is just 2 for 11
Harpring got a great elbow bite on McGrady and they didn't call it. 
Jazz are 14 of 36 in the last two 4th Quarters.

4:01 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 59 Rockets 53
Rockets went over 12 minutes with just one field goal, they were 1 for 18 from the 7:52 mark 2nd Quarter to the 7:30 mark 3rd Quarter.   Then the Rockets hit 5 straight including three 3 balls.
Jazz scored on 7 of 8 trips but have gone cold on the last three trips.
Boozer is just 2 of 10 and doesn't look close right now.
Jazz were able to get the pick and roll a bit lower and that helped
The Rockets are closing on the three and the Jazz have zero in the game.
I warned all series about the three point advantage the Rockets get each night and tonight they have 5 three's and the Jazz have zero. 

Hafltime Stats
Pace:  45 possessions (fastest of the series)
Jazz Offensive Efficiency:  102 in half (low) 117 in the quarter (on the season average)
Jazz Defensive Efficiency:  86 in half (best of the playoffs)  73 in the quarter (best of the series)
Jazz Defensive Rebounding:  78% (fantastic)

Halftime -- Jazz 46 Rockets 38
Jazz close the half on a 17-6 run. 
Everything is so tough in this series.  These two teams are playing harder than any other teams in the NBA right now.  Wow.  I am just overwhelmed by it. 
Jazz got 8 straight defensive stops.
McGrady has been on the bench for 5:30 in that time the Jazz have outscored the Rockets by -11
Jazz got the ball to Boozer deep and he got to the line late in the quarter.
We are at the point where it is going to be star players and hustle plays that get points.  the other guys are not capable of getting looks against the scouting reports



2:54 2nd Quarter -- Jazz 38 Rockets 34
Jazz went on a 9-0 run.  The defense got stops on 8 straight possessions.  It was the offensive lulls that really hurt the Rockets in games 1 and 2.   They avoided it in Game 3.
Kyle Korver is having a tough time in the playoffs, the Rockets are going at him no matter who he is defending, he is battling but it it is tough.  On offense he is 2 for 5 and 9 for 21 in the series with just 3 three's and two of them were on back to back possessions in Game 1
Whenever McGrady leaves the game the Rockets have no offense.
The Jazz are defending very well and hard around the basket.
I no this will never be accepted but it seems to me the Jazz are getting a very favorable whistle tonight.


8:29 2nd Quarter -- Jazz 29 Rockets 27
In Game 3 the Rockets had 11 offensive rebounds at the half they have 2 right now.
Harpring is guarding T-Mac
Deron is being guarded by little Aaron Brooks and he is taking it to him in the post.

1st Quarter Stats
Pace:  24 possessions (fastest quarter of the series)
Jazz Offensive Efficiency = 88 (2nd worst Quarter of playoffs next to 4th in Game 3)
Jazz Defensive Efficiency = 96 (good)
Jazz Defensive Rebounding = 90%  (fantastic see keys to the game)


End of 1st Quarter -- Rockets 23 Jazz 21
I apologize for some technical difficulties that precluded me from blogging
The story of the Quarter is Tracy McGrady.  The score was 6-6 and McGrady left the game to go to the locker-room. With McGrady out the Jazz took a 14-9 lead.  Then McGrady returned and was great and the Rockets too the lead at the end of 1.  McGrady was terrific.  He hit three in a row and was driving to the basket.
Boozer had a poor 1st Quarter.  He was 2 of 6 from the field.  Boozer is just 4 of 12 in the last two games in the first quarter.   Jazz need more.
Rockets shot 48% Jazz shot 45%
Brewer makes McGrady play defense and that is a good thing.  He has been very good running the pick and roll.



Coach Has Better Keys than me
1.  Early start
2.  Don't lose the physical battle.


Keys to the Game
1.  Defensive rebound at a rate above 70% and maybe even 75%.
2.  Get the pick and roll going and get Boozer involved in the game.  Get into the pick and roll quicker than they did in Games 1 or 2.
3.  Keep McGrady off the free throw line. 
4.  Bench must dominate.   With Bobby Jackson back on the Houston bench they are much improved but this is an area.

Notes For Game 4
Jazz are just 14 of 36 from the field in the last two 4th Quarters.
Both teams are talking about a quick start.

In the second round of today's NFL draft Miami traded into the second round to draft Michigan Quarterback Chad Henne.  With the addition of Josh McCown already in the off-season it seems as though John Beck, the former BYU QB, will be the forgotten man in the Miami Quarterback situation.

T - Mac - Says this is not a must win game for either team. The Rockets need to do better on defence  and he finds it easier to play the game now that Rafer Alston is back.

Shane Battier - Thinks that neither team has played their best game. He explains why Houston plays well on the road, Battier says that Houston is still the underdog is this series.

Rafer Alston - Talks about his Game 3 performance. Says that the Rockets stick together through tough times which helps when playing in Utah and explains why D-Will is so go.

 

The Utah Jazz look to grab a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets tonight as game 4 tips off at 8:30 on 1320 KFAN, and on KJZZ 14.  Hear what the players and coaches had to say about rebounding from Thursday night's loss and what will change in game 4.

Jerry Sloan:  What do the Jazz bring to game 4 that they didn't have in game 3?

                       Mutumbo's defense has been better than people may have expected.

                       Game 3 loss was simple:  Jazz miss free throws and gave up too many lay ups.           

Ronnie Brewer:  Was there extra emphasis on free throws in practice?

                               The mood in the locker room after Thursday's loss?

                               What is it that makes this team respond so well after losses?

Andrei Kirilenko:  Masha Kirilenko has sold T-shirts that read: "I LOVE KYLE".  How have they sold compared to the "I LOVE ANDREI" T-shirts?

                               Gotta put the game 3 loss behind them and understand that a 3-1 lead will still put this team in a good spot.                             

Carlos Boozer:    Jazz will get off to a great start which will be necessary.

                               Game 4 will be a must win for the Jazz, and defense will be necessary.

                               What was different about Houston in game 3 that has made this series 2-1                              

                               Shot a lot of free throws yesterday and needed to.

Kyle Korver:         Not seeing any commission from the T-shirts sold by Mrs. Kirilenko

                              Aggression was the biggest difference in the wins compared to the loss in the series.

                              Jazz are still in control of the series, especially if they get a win in tonight's game.

                          

Note:  The Jazz have not lost back to back games since Dec 28-29.  (@LAL/Bos)    

Dave Fox tells Jazz fans why they shouldn't panic after the game 3 loss to Houston, but also let's you know why they won't win a championship any time soon.  It's all right here on the Best of Powerhouse.

The Rockets made themselves available to the media this afternoon here where the conversations

Tracy McGrady -- the affects of having Rafer Alston back on the court, sending the series back to     Houston,  and his thoughts on the rest of the series.

Carl Landry -- how to treat a missing tooth

Rafer Alston -- the "lucky" bank shot, defending Deron, and  being back in the series

Shane Battier -- getting beat up by the Jazz, his hard fould on Paul Milsap, and the hope that the series will come back to Utah again 

The talk of the day amongst the media was the kiss Rafer Alston put on the side of Carl Landry's head. Tracy was disgusted, Rafer said next time he would just hug him and Carl said he refuses to watch the tape.

After the 94-92 loss to the Rockets last night in game 3, the Utah Jazz get prepared for game 4 tomorrow night.  Hear what the players had to say about the loss last night and what has to change for game 4 in order for the Jazz to keep a firm hold on the series. 

Jerry Sloan: Team didn't respond to Houston's aggression around the basket

                       How the Rockets outworked the Jazz

                       Why the final play broke down

Kyle Korver: Why this home loss may be what the Jazz needed.

                       What has to change going into game 4.

Deron Williams: Explains the final play of the game.

                               How the Rockets have made things tough on Boozer.

                               Adjustments that are necessary for game 4.

Carlos Boozer: His view of the final play.

                            Why the team may need to force the issue more often for high percentage shots.

Andrei Kirilenko: Why this team needs to stay focused and confident.

                               How much of  a difference Alston made in game 3.

DJ and PK talk about the Jazz game 3 loss. They were impressed with the play of Rafer Alston and his 20 points after sitting out the first two games. PK called the 13 missed free throws by the Jazz, a total gag job. The Jazz had all the oppertunities to win and didn't step up.

     Listen here to David Locke and Tom Nissalke break down the Jazz 94-92 loss to the Houston Rockets Thursday night.  The Rockets victory was in large part due to the return of Rafer Alston and strong play from McGrady.  Locke and Nissalke break down the entire game and discuss how this game has changed the entire complexion of this series.  Listen to Locke and the Coach Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. to hear the pregame of game 4, then listen to Hot Rod Hundley with the call of the game at 8:30.  Stay tuned to 1320 KFAN as we discuss the Jazz upcoming must win game 4.

 A surprising and disappointing lose by the Utah Jazz in Game 3.   What are your thoughts and comments. Put it in the comment section. 

Today's BOLOS is a little different. We are going to give you all the conversations we had with our guests today leading up to tonight's Game 3.

TNT's Kevin Harlan -- the evolution of Deron Williams, the difficulties this Jazz team offers its opponents and a classic play call from Harlan's archive.

Behind Enemy Lines with Rocket Radio member Craig Ackerman -- A quick look at tonight's game and what it will take for both teams to win.

Fab 5 at 5 with Jazz Owner Larry H. Miller Part 1  Part 2-- the teams ability, how they have matured, a little look into the past , and a couple of stories that only Larry can tell.

 

David Locke is keeping a live blog of every Jazz game.  Place your comments in the comment section.

BREAKING NEWS -- Rafer Alston will start for the Rockets.

FINAL SCORE  -- ROCKETS 94 JAZZ 92
McGrady throws up a terrible shot and the Jazz have a chance with the ball Deron brings it to the front court and runs a high pick and roll with Boozer.  Though Boozer looked open the play never developed, Deron goes to the corner for Kyle he is guarded tightly.  Did Deron anticipate rather than see?  The ball comes back to Deron and he drives to the teeth and gets his shot blocked.
The series just took a dramatic turn.  The series is going back to Houston and the Jazz now are in must win situations at Energy Solutions arena
The Jazz left to many open possessions.  Boozer misses two free throws with 5:00 left, both Korver and Boozer lose balls out of bounds in the 4th quarter
The Jazz go 5 straight possessions offensively not scoring from the 4:29 mark to the 1:05 mark,
The bottom line is that the Rockets play very hard and are a much better team with Alston on the floor and they never relented all game.  The Jazz did a decent job of matching it but never got the knock out punch.
Jazz lead by 6 to open the quarter - but the Rockets scored the first 5 of the first 6 points and then the Jazz never lead by more than 3.


:37.4 4th Quarter -- Rockets 93 Jazz 92
McGrady has come to the party.  He has 7 points in the final 3 minutes
Jazz trailed 93-86 and D-Will found Korver for a 3, then McGrady got a offensive foul and on the next possession McGrady left Okur and he hit a three.  One point game.
The Jazz left way to many plays on the table, missed free throws, dropped balls and now they need a miracle,

2:50 4th Quarter -- Jazz 86 Rockets 86
Jazz are running the same play over and over the double high pick and roll and getting very little out of it.
McGrady hit a free throw for his first point of the quarter.
Korver is struggling. 
Okur is 2 for 12 today.
Does McGrady hit a buzzer beater to quiet his critics? 

6:31 4th Quarter -- Jazz 81 Rockets 81
It is a slow down possessions by possession game.
McGrady is 0 for 3 in the quarter
Alston has returned to close the game.
Jazz have their starting five with Korver rather than Brewer.
Jazz are 2 for 8 in the quarter, 
Rockets are getting good looks on offense.  Jazz haven't slowed them down on the defensive end today.

End of 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 76 Rockets 70
Rockets are 2-24 when they are trailing going into the 4th Quarter.
Jazz are 34-1 when leading after 3 at home
Great offensive quarter by the Jazz.
Ronnie Price scored on the final two possessions pulling off a 2 for 1
McGrady scored his last point at the 3:30 mark of the 3rd Quarter

2:53 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 67 Rockets 61
Jazz have scored on 8 of last 9 possessions and 11 of the last 14.
Ronnie Brewer is playing great.  He is coming off the pick and roll better than he has all year.
McGrady just got his first field in the final 20 minutes of a playoff game in this series

6:25 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 58 Rockets 55
9-0 run by the Jazz.   Rockets lead 55-49.
Ronnie Brewer was the catalyst - he has 6 points in Quarter and two great lay-ups.
AK hits a big three from D-Will and then Deron goes to the rack and the jazz have the crowd hoping,

Halftime Stats
Pace:  40
Jazz Offensive Efficiency Rating: 108  (league average)
Jazz Defensive Efficiency Rating: 108
Jazz Offensive Rebounding Percentage:  38%
Jazz Defensive Rebounding Percentage:  56%

Halftime -- Jazz 44 Rockets 44
Deron Williams has 21 first half points.
Jazz closed on a 11-4 run.  Big three's by Deron and Harpring.
McGrady has 12 points on 13 attempts.


5:54 2nd Quarter -- Rockets 35 Jazz 30
This is the Rockets game.   The Jazz are shooting all non paint two's
They are not hitting.  The Rockets are forcing Deron to be the offense and not leaving anyone else.
The Jazz have been at the line and have the Rockets in the penalty - but have just one field goal in the Quarter at the 6:51 mark.
Rockets may look back at this as a missed opportunity. 

1st Quarter Stats
Jazz Offensive Efficiency Rating:  110 (below season avg )
Jazz Defensive Efficiency Rating: 132 (2nd worst quarter of playoffs)
Jazz Offensive Rebounding %:  54%
Jazz Defensive Rebounding %:  55%

End of 1st Quarter  -- Rockets 27 Jazz 23
Boozer goes 0 for 3 with Mutombo in the game and then he scored the minute Hayes came in
McGrady 9 points on 4 of 10 shooting
Alston was the difference in the quarter.  Rockets had as many three's as they had in the entire game 2
Rockets GM Daryl Morey told us -- "Deron’s good at everything, so you try and minimize the damage. [The Jazz are] most effective when he’s passing the ball to cutters, and passing the ball to spot-up shooters like Okur, so what you want to do is get Deron going for his own offense. He’s still effective, but that’s usually the least bad of the options."
that is clearly the rockets plan tonight.  Deron has 5 shot attempts.  He is 4 of 5
Jazz were -3 with Deron on the bench.
Jazz bench didn't give the Jazz the usual bump.

4:46 1st Quarter -- Rockets 16 Jazz 10
Everyone with the Rockets said a fast start was a must and that was happened
Rafer Alston has been great - he makes an impact - he is 3 for 3 with 8 points
Boozer is 0 for 3.
The Rockets want Deron to shoot and he is 3 for 4. 


Notes
Battier is 6 for 8 from three the rest of the Rockets are 4 of 22
Carlos Boozer has taken just two free throws in the series
43 times the Jazz have come down and had an empty possession.  Twenty--one times on the next possession the Jazz have scored and on 33 of those times they have scored after only two empty possessions.


Keys to the Game

1.      Make a statement early.   Everyone in the NBA knows how good the Jazz are at home.   If the Jazz can make a big run early it can place some doubt in the minds of the Rockets.  The Rockets play harder than any team in the NBA so I would be shocked if it is a blowout, but early doubt is a good idea.

2.      Options 4 and 5.  The Jazz big two, Deron and Carlos, have been guarded very well in this series.  However, the Jazz supporting cast, options 4 and 5, have all made plays.  This is key in the NBA playoffs.  The Rockets have not received that same type of performance.

3.      Avoiding lulls.  The Jazz have done a great job in this playoff series of avoiding long stretches of empty possessions on offense.  The Rockets are not a great offensive team and if the Jazz can continue to keep the pressure on with the offense the Rockets will eventually have a lull on their offensive end.

David Locke had a chance to sit down with numerous Jazz players and coaches over the last few days.

Locke with Ronnie Brewer  -- talking about defending McGrady

Locke with Memo  -- how the defense in the post has improved

Locke with Carlos Boozer  -- what has he been impressed by

Locke with Jerry Sloan  -- is this team good in pressure and how are they executing
 
Locke with Matt Harpring -- what makes a winning team

Dave Fox and Alema Harrington got a chance to catch up with Hot Rod Hundley on game day as the Jazz get set for game 3 with the Houston Rockets and Dave Fox tells you how things change for the Rockets when having Rafter Alston in the line up.  It's all right here on the best of powerhouse.

Beep! Beep! Beep!
         The way the Jazz are playing three Beeps are in order!  They are now a team that has the talent to win it all.  The offense continues to be among the best in the league with everyone having their day in the "Sun".  Turnovers are down, rebounding in "traffic" is better at both ends, and very importantly, transition and half court defense has gone from being soft as "Charmin" to pretty darn good.  Defense is important always and of course offense BUT in the playoffs where you see each other every day or so and lock in on each other, the ability to make plays is vital!  Can you read the other teams keys and maybe steal a pass or two or shut down their primary offense  and force them into options they are not good at.

         There is a quote, "Those that have the Gold, RULE"  In playoff basketball you can say, "Those that have the most offensive playmakers, RULE".  The team you play knows exactly what you run, want to run, your options and unless you really execute will take alot from you.  So, when the clock is "Red", you better have some players who can make something good happen and now!  The Jazz have better players than Houston does and more playmakers than the Rockets so you know what is going to happen.

The Rockets prepared for tonight's game by shooting around at the Energy Solutions Arena.  The team acted and sounded very loose and looked as if the pressure was not getting to them.  Below are a couple of interviews from the practice.

Shane Battier

Tracy McGrady

Rafer Alston - is expecting to play.

The Utah Jazz get set for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets tonight take a listen to what key players had to say when getting ready for tip off.

Carlos Boozer     Best part about being at home

                               Why this team won't lose focus

Deron Williams   Has he been watching the other series?  Lakers/Nuggets?

                               How Rafter Alston's return will or won't change what the Jazz do?

Andrei Kirilenko   Does he consider himself a flopper?

                                What approach has to be taken against a team that will bring the kitchen sink in a must win game?                               

Radio:  1320 KFNZ

Jazz Game Night at 7:30  (David Locke and Tom Nissalke)

Tip Off: 8:30

Television:  KJZZ 14

DJ and PK talked about the Lakers dominating the Nuggets. DJ is amazed that all but one series is at 2-0. He was hoping for a more competitive beginning to the playoffs.

Opening Smash, Rockets GM Daryl Morey, Ute QB Brian Johnson, and Deron Williams all on today's BOLOS.