At The Hive: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Spencer Hall's Sports Meme Power Rankings

Game 76: Hornets vs. Jazz Preview/Open Thread

Utah Jazz's Deron Williams, depicted shooting against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City, is significantly worse than Chris Paul (not pictured).

More photos » by George Frey - AP

Utah Jazz's Deron Williams, depicted shooting against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City, is significantly worse than Chris Paul (not pictured).

The Hornets return home from a tougher-than-it-should've-been Western swing today. Unfortunately, they'll face off against their toughest Western foe in the Utah Jazz.

All indications are that Peja Stojakovic will play again tonight, and probably in a reserve role. James Posey, initially expected back tonight from an elbow issue, will not play, and neither will Tyson Chandler.

The keys to tonight are simple in theory, but difficult in execution. Chief among them is defensive rebounding. Utah ranks 4th in the West on the offensive glass, and with Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap patrolling the inside, Hilton Armstrong will be faced with his toughest assignment of his recent resurgence. With West's ankle issues, the Hornets figure to be in for a tough night on the glass. Contributions of Rasual Butler, Julian Wright, and even Chris Paul will be necessary.

New Orleans also needs to keep Utah off the foul line. The Jazz have the second highest free throw rate of any team in the league. While they aren't as successful at conducting unimpeded foul-fests on the road, they still draw a ton of whistles. The Hornets struggled severely to keep guys like Jamal Crawford and C.J. Watson in check on Friday, and the Jazz are obviously equipped with far more talented players.

So defensively, both the above keys can be encapsulated by one word: energy. If the Hornets are outhustled tonight, they really stand no chance of stopping the Jazz offense. I really would not mind seeing a Ryan Bowen stint in this game.

On the offensive side of things, the Hornets will have to watch out for the Jazz's active hands. Utah forces more turnovers than any team in the conference. Some may argue that this is also because they get away with more contact than any team in the conference, but the point still stands. If CP goes into the lane without knowing what he's going to do (a recurring theme over the last few weeks), the Jazz will take it. If David West reacts to the double a second late, the Jazz will take it. New Orleans' ball control has slipped from last year's levels, and the Jazz are the ideal team to take advantage of that.

Rounding out Utah's defense, it is worth pointing out that they are a below average defensive rebounding team, they foul a lot, and they have an average field goal defense. The offensive glass will be there for the taking, if guys are willing to step up. Utah's high foul rates should lead to a high-penetration game plan. Every jump shot we settle for is more costly against a team like Utah. As with all New Orleans-Utah matchups, this will be about far more than Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams. Utah has the substantially better supporting cast, but with their inexplicable struggles on the road, we do have a shot. Go Hornets.

0 recs  |  Comment 150 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Utah Jazz – New Orleans Hornets
Live

www.iddaliyim.org

by iddaliyim on Apr 5, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

...
but with their inexplicable struggles on the road, we do have a shot.

Modesty is overrated

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 5:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

LOL

Have you watched the Hornets lately? I’ll normally talk some unequivocal smack (see the 8 million Deron/CP posts on here), but it’s not looking good right now.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No I haven't

but I’m guessing you haven’t seen the Jazz as of late either.

They can’t win on the road. Blown out by the Blazers, and destroyed by the Nuggets (mostly JR Smith) after jumping up by 11 early. And those teams, like the Hornets, are playoff bound.
They just lost at home… to the Timberwolves!

On the plus side, it seems like AK is getting the start…

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fair enough

Didn’t realize that TWolves game was at home. AK starting over… Miles?

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

Miles is out with something or another.

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is it a good thing that UTA matched OKC

Or is the depth he provides not worth it

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm one of the bigger CJ fans around (it seems)

but I think he’s being overpaid.
And he really hasn’t progressed like we (the fans) would like… though J-Slow still has no problem starting him game-in-game-out (though he only gives him like 16 minutes/game).

It’s also going to end the Morris Almond era here (kinda sad… he deserved a chance), and is even more money tied up in players with a potentially huge off-season ahead.

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate Almond

He always eats me alive in NBA2K

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

if only the Jazz would give him that shot…

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They will need to effort they played with vs the Spurs

Utah have matchup adv over Hornets, especially with the injuries. Hope they can deliver

by RonD on Apr 5, 2009 6:09 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Have to ask

both teams went after Mo Pete a couple years back.
You “won” and signed him, we ended up seeing Brewer improve big time.

Now, I see MoPete got a DNP in your last game, and isn’t playing much this season.
Is it an injury thing? Or has it just not worked out?

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 6:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah... Byron's just playing him real weird

Butler has pretty much replaced his production from last year. Still, him not getting minutes off the bench really hurts our depth. He seems fine, health wise.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm starting to remember

why I hated Hilton so much. Can’t catch, can’t rebound.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 6:20 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Really though

You should know to hace your hands ready playing with CP

by RonD on Apr 5, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Brewer

What i wouldn’t do to have a slasher combo guard that is developing a good jumpshot on this team! Hornets have no one remotely like that. Why didn’t we draft CDR last year?

by kitsunegari on Apr 5, 2009 6:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

How many missed dunks

Is that over the last two games lol.

by kitsunegari on Apr 5, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Lol

the Jazz have had the same problem as of late.
Missed dunks & lay-ups galore.

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We've made some bad decision

But I don’t think we’re in the running for worst in the league. I mean… there’s always the Knicks.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I need a link to watch the game

The damn turkish one stopped working.

New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.

by Grayson on Apr 5, 2009 6:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Probably not worth it

We’re getting blown out

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was just thinking that.

New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.

by Grayson on Apr 5, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great, Chris Paul losing his head in the first quarter

I’m this close to turning this off right here.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 6:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

I think i’m going to go get something to eat, Mexican sounds good.

by kitsunegari on Apr 5, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hornets-

Where aging jumpshooters making bank happens…

by kitsunegari on Apr 5, 2009 6:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah im going too

Bye!

New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.

by Grayson on Apr 5, 2009 6:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Aw, come on guys

it’s only the first quarter…

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 6:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

No offense

but when you’re giving Sean Marks 14 mpg in 53 games (so far)… you’re in trouble. At least your bench is.

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 6:42 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I cannot believe

the incompetence!!!!

by RonD on Apr 5, 2009 6:42 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

What the hell is Scott's fascination with Devin.

He’s the ultimate scrub. Why not get Mo out there! This is so frustrating

by RonD on Apr 5, 2009 6:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Devin Brown

How is he in the NBA? Same for Bowen and Marks.

by kitsunegari on Apr 5, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

F him.

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If we can get it down to 18 at half

We’re within striking distance lol.

by kitsunegari on Apr 5, 2009 6:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Seriously, WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 6:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

CP3 HAS TO TAKE OVER!

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 6:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This team has no idea how to defend Utah

Their big men are getting whatever they want and they are just watching them. David’s turnovers to start the game set the tone for him.

by RonD on Apr 5, 2009 6:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

No TC, BIG PROBLEM!

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

MO'S COMING IN!

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wooo

I feel the comeback lol

by kitsunegari on Apr 5, 2009 6:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Whatever

Game’s over. I don’t really care.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't even watch this shit.

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 7:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I can't stop watching it

It’s like a bad accident, I can’t turn away even though its painful to watch.

by RonD on Apr 5, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

On that note

This team is done, barring a miraculous comeback to full health by Tyson. I was sort of excited for the playoffs a couple weeks ago, but not any more. We’re done.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 7:05 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You sound

exactly like all us Jazz fans have sounded over the past week.

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You guys

are at least a dominant home team. Win 3 at home and hope to steal a fourth on the road. With West hurt, Peja struggling, Tyson gone, Posey sucking, and Paul playing 42+ a night, a 7 game series win against a Denver/LA/Utah/SA is just a pipe dream at this point.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We hope we're dominant at home

the loss to Minny is kinda scary.

Yeah, without being at least somewhat healthy, there could be problems.
Is Chandler expected back soon?

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

C'mon no we're not. We just have absolutely no solution to the problem that is the Utah Jazz.

We can beat anyone else in the West and just hope Utah is eliminated in the first round.

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agree to disagree I guess

Without Tyson, this defense stands no chance against anyone.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and i'll add

without the real peja or at least the peja from last year they have no chance. Posey isn’t going to be that much of a difference maker IMO.

One and done

by RonD on Apr 5, 2009 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tyson will have to be back yes

Not neccesarilly full health, but back and able to play.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But we always struggle against the Jazz.

This game really doesn’t impact how I think we fare in the postseason.

by m-W on Apr 5, 2009 7:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Perfectly put.

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed. this game is pathetic... but it changes nothing

Im STILL excited for the playoffs… hoping that we’ll have Peja/Tyson/Posey all ready to go. Optimistic? Yes. But I’m hanging on to the hope.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Playoffs

Only way we win more than 2 games is if we get the Rockets or Spurs with their grinding style. The Blazers, Nuggets, Lakers, or Jazz would wear this team out.

by kitsunegari on Apr 5, 2009 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Totally agree

They are too young and athletic. They will run circles around our bigs.

by RonD on Apr 5, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"This team"...

The one missing Tyson…. with a damaged West, a just returned Peja, no Posey.

But with a healthy team… no. I think we matchup pretty well against Portland and Denver. We would have won the Portland reg. season series 3-1 if it weren’t for Paul getting injured in the 3rd quarter.

Healthy… I’m optimistic against any team except the Jazz.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

everything is predicated on whether Tyson can return to a 15 PER level and good defense.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Definitely.

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

IF and its a big IF, we can get this down to 12-15 by the fourth....

then we might just be able to pull this out. Yes I do realize I’m being verrry optimistic.

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 7:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yea I hate it

But I can’t stop watching this team

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is the only game...

That I’ve turned off all season. That first quarter was just too painful. 41-19?!? Really?

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Interesting fact of the day

Chris Paul has a higher vertical leap than Deron Williams.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 7:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Williams is an impossible cover

Don’t think I’ve ever seen him this aggressive

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 7:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm here but not getting hopes up

Glad they finally playin like they want to win. Dwil is just too big for Paul and anyone on this team for that matter.

by RonD on Apr 5, 2009 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

Well its a game again.

Trying not to get my hopes up though…

Hornets need to get some stops early in the 3rd.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 7:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Too bad Marks got that loose ball foul

Could have gone into the 3rd under double digts. That was a nice sequence by marks. Rebound, dunk, block.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 7:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Take the starters out

No reason to play them even more minutes, risk injury, etc.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 8:09 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The only player with a positive +/-

Mo Pete… who played less than a minute!!

ARAGASGHLH!!!

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 8:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That huge missed three by Daniels at 100-85

Sealed the loss. Very easily could’ve been Mo standing in the corner and gunning it in. But no.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

I really wish Byron would freaking explain that choice… whether its Daniels or (especially) Brown or getting the minutes. Its like the draft… you go with “best available.” And Mo is always a better choice…

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

got to give it to D. Will...

21 points on 10 shots, 11 assists, 4 steals and no turnovers… a Chris Paul-like performance.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 8:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

True that

Looks like the Sean Marks Intimidation Strategy didn’t go according to plan.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It doesnt always have to be about D Will vs Chris Paul...

Granted the D was lacking… but it was still a hell of a game by Williams. Just giving credit where credit is due.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also

This will go onto the CP vs. DWill record for all the DWill supporters, who will conveniently ignore who else was on the floor.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The more you think about it

Even if both teams are at full health

Brewer > Butler, Kirilenko >> Wright, Okur = West, Boozer > Chandler, Korver = Peja, Miles = Mo, Millsap >>>>>>>>>>> Armstrong. The only reason these two teams are even remotely similar in overall talent level is Chris Paul.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thats probably giving Okur a bit too much credit

But yeah.

And I’m tempted to say you are giving Korver too much credit too… but at this point in Peja’s career maybe not.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Korver, when healthy

= Peja, when healthy (at this point in his career, as you mentioned).

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, you're right

Okur circa 2005 would be the better West equivalent. But it’s not a HUGE difference I guess.

Peja’s threes today made me happy…. if only we can get Chandler back!

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We had Brev Brev on the floor

that “outdoes” anyone you had out there, including Devin Brown & Sean Marks. :)

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nah you guys are stacked

One bad apple does not spoil this bunch

It begs the question… why isn’t Utah better than Utah is? Its one of the deepest rosters in the league.

by Caleb462 on Apr 5, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well this year

there was injuries, but no one likes that excuse.
-Deron was out to begin the season, which shot up Brev Brev’s confidence to the point where he’s shooting jumpers he has no business taking.
-Booze missed 45 games… which has to be like a career low for him. :)
-Korver had hand issues that limited his effectiveness until February or so.
-Ak has missed some games, don’t remember why.

Other than that… no idea.
Maybe half the team realized they are going to be FAs (or could be) and decided to play for themselves?

Oh, and the back-up minutes that go to Brev Brev, Harpring & Jarron Collins (aka Flop) most definitely don’t help.

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

“Deron was out to begin the season, which shot up Brev Brev’s confidence to the point where he’s shooting jumpers he has no business taking.”

Hahaha, we’re familiar with this. Just replace Brevin with Devin.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

our teams are more similar than I originally thought. :)

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, okay.

I’ll blame it on that. :)

Though I don’t think that’s the entire problem… I just don’t know what else to blame.
Coaching?
The personnel?
Indifference?

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

He’s great. I’d still rather have Tony Parker, but DWill is awesome.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Hornets' problems can solely be blamed on injuries. Period.

CP injured
Peja injured
D-West injured
Tyson injured
Posey injured
Mo injured
JuJu injured
Even freaking Hilton was injured
However, I blame most of our struggles on the injury Sean Marks had in the beginning with his calf. He kindof cancels out Boozer and Okur. When the jumper is clanking the back iron he’s nearly unstoppable.

Devin Brown is a basketball God!

by chandlerfan6 on Apr 5, 2009 9:04 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Hahahaha

Agreed though. At full health, we’re the Lakers’ closest competitor in the west.

by atthehive on Apr 5, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

To be more accurate

you should blame your struggles on the fact that Marks is a rotation player for you guys.

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We have many more problems

than that, basically we have 1/2 non scrubs coming off the bench. Ryan Bowen, Marks, Devin Brown none of these guys should even be in the NBA. Not to mention Peja has lost his touch and is even more of a liability on defense now.

by kitsunegari on Apr 5, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed on Bowen.

I don’t remember much of Brown… I know he was alright (at best) with the Jazz.

But Marks… I think he was one of the worst players in NBA 2K7, and I really doubt he’s gotten much better.

by UtesFan89 on Apr 5, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about Charlotte New Orleans Oklahoma City New Orleans Hornets
Start posting about the Hornets »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Small
If you really want a salary dump
Small
This team isn't playing to their potential
Small
Game 10: Portland v. New Orleans
Small
trade idea shenanigans
100_7475_small
Hornets - Knicks Photos
324_small
kevin martin to hornets idea?
Small
Would u be mad?
Small
Solutions!?
Chuck_norris_small
What the Hornets have to do to do better than an eighth seed
Small
CHRIS PAUL IS OVERRATED!!!!! HE IS NOT THAT GOOD!!!!!!

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >


Managers

Paul_small atthehive

West_head2_small Junsier

Editors

Hldomingue-nola_small hldomingue