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It’s a combination of two TV stations and two radio stations that will bring more sports coverage into Utah homes than ever before. You’ll see live high-school football games, NFL preseason games of the Broncos and Raiders; Salt Lake Bees baseball, and Utah State football and more, all this month! This fall, your Utah Jazz return with 80 games on both TV and Radio. Prepare to be amazed.
Email The Hosts PK : : DJ : : Alema Harrington : : David Locke : : Ben Bagley : : Scott Garrard
The Utah Jazz will not pick up the option on Morris Almonds contract, hear what Almond, the coaching staff and teammates had to say about that and how they feel about their match up with the Clippers coming up tonight.
1320, K-Fan's David Locke's take on the Jazz declining the option on Almond
Other comments from practice
BYU at CSU
I don’t see this game about BYU beating the Rams. That’s a given.
I’m more interested to see the Cougars actually play well on the road. So far this season they are 0 for 3 (or 2 and ½ if you count the first half against
This game is a preview of BYU’s final two road games. If the Cougars can’t win in
Along this same line, BYU’s defense desperately needs a strong showing. CSU is scoring 22.1 points a game, which ranks ahead of only
But the bad news is the Rams can exploit BYU’s defense. CSU’s passing game averages 247 yards, trailing only MWC leader BYU.
After the last two games, a common excuse was TCU’s Andy Dalton and UNLV’s Omar Clayton were strong quarterbacks and that each team had a good offense. But if we’re saying the same thing about Billy Farris and CSU’s offense, then it’s on the Cougars.
Even though Gartrell Johnson rushes for an average of 93 yards a game, I think the Rams ought to throw often until the Cougars prove they can defend the pass. I’d got right at BYU’s linebackers and secondary.
CSU can’t line up with four and five quality receivers, as TCU and UNLV did, but Rashaun Greer, tight end Kory Sperry and Dion Morton form a decent trio. At this point, any player with a pair of hands poses as a serious threat to the Cougars.
BYU might be able to exploit CSU’s unbelievably lousy special teams. The Rams have allowed four touchdowns – two each on kickoffs and punts – off of special teams.
I expect BYU’s offense to have success. Unlike TCU, CSU’s defense doesn’t have enough speed to rattle Max Hall and the offensive line.
BYU 38, CSU 20
Normally, I would agree with the argument that this is a trap game for the Utes. We all understand the difficulty
But I’m not buying it this season.
I have no doubt that
The intrigue again centers on
I say no.
Jazz react to opening night win, defense improvements, and Ronnie Price's performance
The Utah Jazz opened the season with a 98-94 win over the Nuggets. Catch the postgame reaction with David Locke and the coach Tom Nissalke and hear what players and coaches had to say about the first game of the season.
The Jazz and Nuggets open the season, how many games will the Jazz win? Read on...
SUMMARY
Boozer was big time and that is what you have to have when Deron is out.
That is a tough win without Deron. To be in a every possession game without your leader is a tough task to open the night.
Price wasn’t great but he didn’t throw up on himself and cost the team the game. He controlled the game and did what he was supposed to do. The Jazz were +13 when Price was on the floor.
AK had the night we envisioned when it was talked about him coming off the bench. He was tremendously active. He had 16 points; 6 rebounds; 3 assists; 2 blocks and a steal.
The bench was terrific today. 35 points off the bench; 14 rebounds; 6 assists.
Ronnie Brewer played very well.
A double double for Memo and some very nice powerful moves.
NUMBERSFINAL SCORE – JAZZ 98 NUGS 94
Boozer was big late. With the score 91-90, Price drove and gave it up in traffic and Boozer was able to scoop it off floor and into the hoop for the bucket and his 5th straight point in the stretch.
Jazz got a huge break as Korver missed a free throw but they ruled a lane violation and Korver hit the third free throw.
Price hit two clutch free throws to keep the Jazz up 3.
:26 left 4th Quarter – Jazz 91 Nuggets 90
Boozer has gone to the line the last two possession and has hit 3 of 4 free throws.
Nugs are living off a high pick and roll with AI and whoever is there big.
Possession by possession game without Deron and Jazz don’t look comfortable.
From the 5 minute mark on the Jazz scored on just 4 of 9 possessions
Neither team is able to execute and score down the stretch without their scoring stud.
Sloppy play – looks like both teams could be tired in the opener.
Jazz in the penalty at the 3:17 mark
5:54 4th Quarter – Jazz 82 Nugs 82
Kyle Korver is trying to guard JR Smith and Smith is shooting everytime down the floor.
The Jazz should have gotten more separation in this game, it could get nerve racking.
Knight is struggling a bit this go around.
Boozer enters at the 6:52 mark – he has been the man (20/13) he will need to carry the mail home.
Korver is not playing well – he just had a sloppy turnover.
The Jazz have no urgency. They need a leader right now.
End of 3rd Quarter – Jazz 75 Nuggets 67
Good quarter by the Jazz. The Nugs were really out of sorts and the Jazz could be up by a lot more. Part of me is concerned that they just missed the opportunity.
I don’t feel like Price is playing very well, he is missing shots that have to be made. However, the Jazz are +13 when he is on the floor.
If this game gets close it could be interesting to see how the Jazz are able to execute down the stretch without Deron.
Boozer has been big tonight – 20 points and 13 rebounds
7:16 3rd Quarter—Jazz 58 Nugs 50
I feel like the game is in the balance the Jazz could run away with this one but Price has had two bad possessions, a missed three off a Memo double team and a sloppy turnover. That was followed by a CJ Miles turnover when he tried to run a pick and roll. The Nugs are really unfocused right now and the Jazz just missed a prime opportunity.
Ronnie Brewer is playing well – he is doing a nice defensive job on Iverson.
Halftime – Jazz 50 Nuggets 46
Jazz offense has been pretty good at 52% shooting. This is more a comment on the Nugs defense than a comment about the Jazz offense.
AK had the performance we would hope coming off the bench. 8 points 3 rebounds 2 assists.
Iverson and Martin both have 10 points. Boozer leads the Jazz 14 points and 7 rebounds.
We knew turnovers would be an issue the Jazz have turned it over on 21% of their possessions so far.
Jazz are winning the battle of the boards as they are getting 35% of the potential offensive rebounds.
5:22 2nd Quarter -- Jazz 40 Nuggets 35
Ronnie Price is really having a struggle at the point guard tonight both offensively and defensively. He just got a blow by from Anthony Carter.
The Jazz interior defense is not noticeable any better than a year ago. Some of the help on the perimeter looks a bit better and with a good effort.
The Jazz offense does not have the flow without Deron.
The Nugs are missing shots I would assume they would make.
Memo had a really good powerful post move over Nene. That is a big boy to overpower.
End of 1st Quarter – Jazz 28 Nuggets 27
In
Brevin Knight is a good solid player and he plays the game very astutely.
AK has been very active off the bench. He has been involved both offensively and defensively. However, he is still AK and there are those moments.
5:42 1ST Quarter – Jazz 14
AK enters off the bench at the 6:56 mark (Jazz leading 14-11). Jazz 1st play is a high weave to get him involved.
Ronnie Brewer had two nice drives from the wing.
CJ Miles ended up with Iverson guarding him and the Jazz cleared out and hit rose for a 17 footer that he nailed. On defense the Nugs went after CJ with Kleiza and drew two fouls.
Boozer has been active and playing the way you would want him to since Deron is out of the game
Numbers
Nuggets were the #1 pace team in the NBA last year -- Jazz were the 10th
Jazz were #1 offensive team in efficiency, the Nugs were 11th
The Jazz were the #12 defensive team and the Nugs were the 10th.
Keys to the Game
1. Limit the turnovers by the Jazz players who aren't used to having the ball
2. Prevent an explosion off the bench by the Nuggets
3. Patience offensively not falling into the trap of bad quick shots
Officials
Greg Willard
Jason Phillips
Tony Brown
Lakers – 66-16 (+9) They have the best #1 star, #2 star and #3 star on a team in the NBA. Bynum makes them stronger. The return of Trevor Ariza and Chris Mihm gives them unmatched depth. They can play any style and they are without a weakness. Not much else to say, they are loaded. A top 10 offensive and defensive team in the NBA, and they could be the #1 offense and a top 5 defense.
Jazz – 58-24 (+3) - The Jazz finished the year 38-12. That was accomplished while Carlos Boozer struggled for the final 25 games. During that stretch the Jazz went 11-11 on the road. This would project to 62 wins. No one had a breakout year that can be unequalled. They were the #1 offensive team in the NBA and with Sloan’s system there is no reason to believe they will be anything else. Ronnie Brewer could improve and Kirlenko off the bench may make him a more valuable player. The diminishing skills of Harpring makes this a soft team. The idea they will improve defensively is far fethce. With an early injury to Deron and healthy team last year it is fair to expect some slippage from the second half pace.
Rockets – 55-27 (--) - Winning 22 in a row will be hard to replicate. The addition of Ron Artest will less then burden on Tracy McGrady. The pick up of Brent Barry was the best off the radar move of the off-season. The addition of Artest doesn’t help them where they need it. They will still be the best defensive team in the NBA and will still be below average offensively. Losing Bobby Jackson leaves them without a back-up point other than Barry. Artest will take Scola and Battier’s minutes and those are two of their most efficient players. Less injuries and more depth gives them the same 55 wins.
Phoenix Suns (54-28) -- How much was D’Antonio and how much was Nash. Terry Porter will change how this team plays with Shaq and Amare on the front line. The focus is to improve defensively but the Suns were 16th in the NBA in defense. A great offense can help a bad defense. There is a chance that if the offense moves off the #2 spot in the NBA the defense will be further exposed. Talent still wins. The depth is lacking, but Nash and Amare are still unstoppable. They were 20-12 with Shaq or a 51 win team. Subtle improvements to depth and a little less drama and the Suns take a small step forward.
Hornets – 52-30 (-4) -- The bull’s-eye is on their back. Often teams in this circumstance forget how hard they worked to get to the level they were the previous year and drop games you wouldn’t expect. Last year, Paul, West, Peja and
Dallas Mavericks (49-33) (-2)– The Mavs were 16-13 with Jason Kidd. Avery Johnson had made this team a defensive unit but that is going to be impossible to emulate with Jason Kidd at the point guard. The Mavs are starting 35 year old guards in Jason Kidd and Jerry Stackhouse that is a tough call in the West. Furthermore, the defensive keys Dampier and Diop are both offensive liabilities and with Kidd on the floor you end up with two non-shootes. Last year
Portland Trailblazers (48-34) (+7) --- Last year the Blazers ranked 17th in the NBA defensively allowing 108.4 points per 100 possessions. Oden’s presence showed move the Blazers into the top 10 defensively. They will be one of the few teams who are able to play 48 minutes of 7 footers. They are no very good offensively and this will still be an issue. James Jones was vital to them last season and they will need someone to replicate the three point shooting off the bench. Last year their 41-41 record was a fluke considering their differential they should have only won 38. Put them up 10 to 48 not to 51.
Los Angeles Clippers (45-37) ( ) -- This is the team I project to have the biggest improvement of any team in the NBA. They added Baron Davis and Marcus Camby without losing anyone, remember Brand did not play last year.
Dave and Alema preview opening night and the Utah Jazz season. Jason Kosmicki of Altitude Radio and the legend Hot Rod Hundley came on the show to talk about tonight's game as well. It's all on the Best of Powerhouse!!!
Before and after every Utah Jazz Game, listen to David James' Stat Of The Game, brought to you by Automated Business Products.
The stat of the game for tonight's game against the Nuggets:
The Utah Jazz are 8-2 against Denver with Deron Williams as the starter. With Deron out for tonight's game, will that dominance come to an end?
The Stat of the Game is brought to you by Automated Business Products. Visit them by clicking here!
The Jazz tip the 2008 - 09 tonight at the Energy Solutions Arena against the Denver Nuggets. They will do so without point guard Deron Williams, but Coach Sloan and the rest of the team thinks that they can hold down the fort without Deron. Click Below to here the interviews from Shoot-Around this morning.
Jerry Sloan - Talks about opening night, the Nuggets, and playing without Deron.
Carlos Boozer - Talks about being excited for opening night with the new intro. Also how the team will succeed without Deron.
Deron Williams - Talks about the frustration of not being able to suit up on opening night. Also, about how the decision came yesterday to have hiim sit.
Brevin Knight - About Carrying on without Deron.
Ronnie Price - Says he's not nervous about tonight.
The best in the worst gets better with the addition of Andrew Bynum, the 7-footer who was averaging a double-double at the time of his knee injury last January.
The only potential problem is jealousy. Bynum has to blend his talents with Pau Gasol, who is the second-best scorer behind Kobe Bryant. But Bynum is seeking a huge-money contract and may get perturbed if he’s not given a chance to put up numbers/
Enter Phil Jackson. The NBA’s best all-time coach is great at bringing a team together.
And don’t forget Bryant, who retains the title as best player in the game for at least another season.
60-22
Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams.
The point guard battle makes for a nice storyline, but it’s silly to get caught up in it. Even Magic vs. Bird was more about the Lakers against the Celtics than any individual match-up.
For now, Paul deserves a higher billing because his team is better. Tyson Chandler provides a strong defensive presence in the middle, which is something all great teams need to possess.
James Posey was a nice pick-up in the offseason. The veteran forward won championships with
57-25
Like real estate, the Jazz need three things to win a championship – defense, defense, defense.
Problem is, who’s going to provide it? Until the Jazz get an interior defender, they are a good team that needs to get fortunate draws in the playoffs. But as long as they have Williams, the Jazz will be among the NBA’s best.
56-26
4.
Such lack of respect for the four-time champions. And all the Spurs couldn’t be happier.
This team seems to play better when expectations aren’t sky high. With Manu Ginobili out for about six weeks, the Spurs aren’t capable of dominating the regular season.
But come playoff time, don’t count out these old guys.
54-28
I’m not buying it.
Several prognosticators pick the Rockets to be among the West’s best, with some even forecasting an NBA Finals trip. Would you bet your life on the volatile Ron Artest, the 0-for-first-round Tracy McGrady and the injured Yao Ming?
History says no way. Only a fool would argue.
53-29
The Sun City Suns are an interesting team.
Shaq, Steve Nash and Grant Hill are practically old enough to be residents of the retirement community west of
Shaq is in a strange position – a four-time champion with something to prove. Since the midseason trade from
They’ve still got enough left to be dangerous, especially in a first-round playoff series.
52-30
This is the league’s most intriguing team. As far as the Trail Blazers being great, it’s a matter of when and not if.
All this young talent will need time to mesh. I think they will need a season before challenging the Jazz for Northwest Division dominance.
50-32
This is another older team that I think can be dangerous. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them finish much higher than this prediction.
I believe Jason Kidd still has some gas left. A full training camp and season will make a big difference for Kidd, who needs to time to learn his teammates’ tendencies and preferences.
50-32
As far as the East goes, here are my top eight:
Jeff Horinek of the Colorado State Rams joined Tony Parks and talked about the game coming up on Saturday afternoon. Jeff tells you who he thinks the best team in the conference is, if Max Hall is the best quarterback he has ever faced and what makes BYU's offense the toughest to prepare for. Catch the interview right here!!!
Deron Williams status for tomorrow's season opener agaisnt the Denver Nuggets has been down graded. Williams is now listed as "out" of tomorrows game and will not play.
Williams participated in some drills today at practice to see how his ankle would respond. It was determined afterward that it was not where they would like it to be prior to him playing in a game.
While he is listed as out for tomorrows game, he is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Clippers.
Deron Williams status for tomorrow's season opener agaisnt the Denver Nuggets has been down graded. Williams is now listed as "out" of tomorrows game and will not play.
Williams participated in some drills today at practice to see how his ankle would respond. It was determined afterward that it was not where they would like it to be prior to him playing in a game.
While he is listed as out for tomorrows game, he is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Clippers.
The Mountain West Conference and Missouri Valley Conference announced today an agreement in principle to the formation of an annual Mountain West/Missouri Valley Challenge for men's basketball. All 19 members of both leagues will participate in the Challenge, which will feature head-to-head competition between nine Mountain West and nine Missouri Valley teams annually.
The Mountain West has ranked among the Top 10 in the NCAA’s final RPI report in eight of the last nine years, while the Valley has been among the Top 10 in each of the last four. Teams from the two leagues have squared off 32 times since the inception of the Mountain West in 1999, with MWC teams holding a 17-15 edge in those contests.
“This is a very good match-up between two competitive leagues,” said MWC Commissioner Craig Thompson. “Our coaches and fans have been looking for quality non-conference opponents and this annual competition between two Top 10 RPI leagues will afford us that.”
"The Challenge series is a positive step for both conferences," says Commissioner Doug Elgin, now in his 21st year with the Missouri Valley Conference. "Tough non-conference scheduling has always been paramount in improving our league's stature on the national scene. The series helps institutions in both leagues achieve that goal by adding at least one game annually against quality non-conference competition. And it's great for the fans of the Missouri Valley and the Mountain West as new rivalries are developed with nationally-recognized programs that have a strong history in men's basketball."
Specific details regarding the Challenge will be released at a later date. Officials from both leagues are working towards a four-year commitment that could begin as early as November, 2009.
The Utah Jazz are one day away from tipping off the 2008-09 season. Hear what the coaches and players had to say about the game tomorrow, Deron's status and what they expect on the season.
Jerry Sloan: Deron ran a little yesterday, but trainers weren't comfortable with him playing at that time.
Gary Briggs (trainer) and Deron Williams will make the decision as to whether or not Deron plays tomorrow night.
Ronnie Price will have to play within himself.