Game 5: Hornets @ Jazz
by Rohan on Jan 2, 2012 12:00 PM CST
in Game Threads
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Print| 2011-12 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
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|
 |
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| 2-2 | vs | 1-3 |
| January 2nd, 2011 |
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| Energy Solutions Arena |
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| 8:00 PM CST | ||
| TV: CST, NBATV |
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| Probable starters: | ||
| Jarrett Jack |
< | Devin Harris |
| Marco Belinelli |
< | Gordon Hayward |
| Trevor Ariza | > | Raja Bell |
| Carl Landry |
< | Paul Millsap |
| Emeka Okafor | < | Al Jefferson |
Your Pregame Moment of Zen
It's sobering to think back on the rivalry these two teams shared for the second half of the 2000s, a rivalry that started and ended at the point guard position. Utah drafted Deron Williams #3 overall in the 2005 NBA draft, mistakenly believing his size would give him the advantage over Chris Paul; New Orleans, of course, took Paul at #4, and CP3 went on to be the better player, forging a Hall of Fame path in his six years with the Hornets. But Utah consistently surrounded Williams with superior (and healthier) players, and it led to Williams' Jazz routinely dominating Paul's Hornets.
Thinking back on it now, I don't think there was a team I looked forward to facing less during Paul's heyday. The skill of Williams and Boozer, the shooting of Korver and Okur, the overall discipline of a Jerry Sloan coached team.. those were teams that honestly could have had more success than they ultimately achieved (Williams did indeed have a couple +6 teams in his time in Utah).
That the two teams are still closely linked now, in their respective post-Deron and post-CP3 eras, is no surprise. Utah pre-emptively moved Williams for a fantastic package to the New Jersey Nets, receiving Devin Harris, Derrick Favors (the 3rd pick of the '10 draft), the 3rd pick of the '11 draft (used on Enes Kanter), and a top-7 protected pick in the 2012 draft belonging to Golden State (one which they have a decent shot at receiving in a loaded draft). There's no player on the immediate verge of stardom like the Hornets got back in Eric Gordon, but Favors, at just age 20, projects to be one of the brightest front court players in years. He's outstanding. Add in Kanter and two possible lottery picks in the '12 draft (Golden State's and their own), and it's clearly the better package.
This isn't to say one GM did a better job than the other; the circumstances surrounding Paul and Williams were a bit different obviously. But Utah wrote the book on handling superstar (or in Williams' case, borderline superstar) departure, and because of it, they're set up for a damn bright future.
For now, Utah projects to be a lottery team, much like the Hornets. But that said, they've definitely got the stronger roster. Al Jefferson returned from injury on Saturday to start at center, Devin Harris, for all the critiques he's attracted in recent eyars, is definitely better than Jarrett Jack, Paul Millsap had an All-Star-level season a year ago, and Gordon Hayward's an interesting, athletic piece on the wing.
Basically, Utah is us, with more future assets and more assets in the present.
Other Notes
The last time we played the Jazz also happened to coincide with the above video and the last time we saw David West wear the creole blue. So tonight's going to be real bittersweet, regardless of how the game actually goes. The opposition for tonight can be found at SLC Dunk. Be nice to each other.
And Go Hornets.
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Okay lets go out there and get a win.
Going into Wednesday’s game with Eric coming back and being 3-2. Prediction, Vasquez has a better game then Jack and Marco actually hits some 3’s. Also I wonder if Ayon get’s some burn early.
Kaman/Oak/Smith looked too decent last time out
to get Ayon minutes I think. Though I’d love to see it
I'm a Hayward fan
Utah has some good pieces but they’ve looked bad for most of this year so far. Can’t help but think if Monty had that team’s talent, they’d be above .500.
Should Be A Fun Game
The two teams are closely linked (as you mentioned) and I’m inclined to believe you this time on your pessimistic position match ups. The Jazz seem to have the Hornets beat in every spot except for coaching (don’t you miss the days when, at the very least, we always won the point guard match up?). I’m looking forward to it. It’s still an imminently winnable game and the Hornets shouldn’t go into this game defeated at all. As bad as the last two games have been offensive, it’s been defensive lapses that have allowed the games to blow open. At the very least, Utah’s not going to wow anybody offensively.
Plus, every time the Hornets play the Jazz is a chance for me to brag that I played, guarded one on one, and got dunked on by C.J. Miles back in high school. He’s a pretty cool guy despite that bit I just told. Hope he and the Jazz disappoint tonight, though.
Go Hornets!
"You play to win the game."
Hope its a fun game....
When the team is individually avg w/exception of Gordon, Kaman & Landry (Okafor is playing a little better this year), you’re really going into a game undermatched. Not saying the other teams are all allstar players but its when you take out the above avg players(substitute), you’re rotating avg & underaverage guys in to hopefully not lose a lead or provide a spark and now you’re wishing and hoping like the fans.. Okafor & Ariza gotta make FTs, Kaman has to finish better under the rim, Gordon HAS to play period. If a couple of those things that happens or a couple of other guys step up, THEN I think it’ll be alot of fun games to watch.
Anyways, I'll catch y'all later
I’m going to miss at least the first half of this one. Will should have the recap tonight
My hope is
That the game is at least entertaining.
by njennings on Jan 2, 2012 7:33 PM CST via Android app reply actions
Funny comment by Jazz radio play by play man
Said he expected Saints/packers would score more points than Hornets/Jazz
"I have had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it." Groucho Marx
A lot of empty seats
Quiet too
by njennings on Jan 2, 2012 8:13 PM CST via Android app reply actions
Despite not being able to hit the broad side of a barn
Belinelli has rebounded well in the last two games. Just pulled another one down early.
I wouldn't mind his poor shoot
If he rebounded all the misses
by njennings on Jan 2, 2012 8:19 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
That is probably his offensive game for now
Should be doing a lot of cutting to the basket off the ball.
Belinelli's problem
is all mental. He’s a knock-down shooter, but for some reason, if he misses one three point shot, he must fake the rest of them a drive the lane. Know your role, Marco!
Reppin' the Lafayette Hornets fans.
Not the best defender
But I think he seems out of shape, as are a lot of players this season
Reppin' the Lafayette Hornets fans.
Is he out of shape?
or just slow? Doesn’t have any sort of reputation as a defender, but some of that could be that he played his entire career with the Clippers thus far.
offense is okay
Defense was solid, but we’ve seen a big let down with Emeka out. Lots of Jazz dunks.
I was just about to ask about aminu haha
by Rohan on Jan 2, 2012 8:58 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Side notes
Hawks are about to down the Heat. #yes
San Antonio is getting owned by the TWolves #noooooo
Reppin' the Lafayette Hornets fans.
What's happening with Atlanta?
They’ve been really good so far this year. Small sample I know, but best point differential in the league and just beat the Heat on the road!
Hornet down 50-47 at half
Offense looks 100% better than the last two games, but the interior defense has been porous. Need to stiffen up if they are going to pull this out.
Nice half by Aminu
5-6 from the line 2out 3 from the floor. Smith is poppin his shoots he looks good. Atleast there is offense also belli finally made 3
lucky good?
or legitimately good?
by Rohan on Jan 2, 2012 9:16 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Alec Burks looks like he's going to be a superstar.
If he can apply defense to his game.
Sorry off topic. LOL.
The bench is huge for the Hornets. Aminu getting to the basket was his strong point when he was a Clipper.
by RockyMountain on Jan 2, 2012 9:16 PM CST up reply actions
Wow
The bench is keeping us in the game. 29 of 47 points?
Also Rohan
I would say that the Nuggets wrote the book on compensation for a star. The Melo deal was a steal.
JJack
is two-faced. I like him tonight. A lot after that rejection.
Not so much last night.
Reppin' the Lafayette Hornets fans.
Aminu
Once he learns to dribble, he could be a pretty solid forward.
That sounds kinda sad. lol
Reppin' the Lafayette Hornets fans.
No way, that would kill the defense.
Small lineup = 3-guard, 2-big men lineup, no?
by RockyMountain on Jan 2, 2012 10:05 PM CST up reply actions
So Ariza is out injured?
Is that why Aminu is getting extended minute?
So Marco plays 37 minutes and scores 6 points with 4 rebounds.
by EaglesFanatic80 on Jan 2, 2012 10:13 PM CST reply actions
On 2-9 shooting and 3 turnovers. Why does Monty love playing him?
by EaglesFanatic80 on Jan 2, 2012 10:14 PM CST up reply actions
Vazquez played 9 minutes? I would prefer him to get some minutes with Jack to at least set him up.
by EaglesFanatic80 on Jan 2, 2012 10:15 PM CST up reply actions
Marco...
He is miserable this season
by njennings on Jan 2, 2012 10:14 PM CST via Android app reply actions
That's BS.
His feet wasn’t setup. BS homie call.
Wow that Okafor shot was amazing watching it again.
by EaglesFanatic80 on Jan 2, 2012 10:17 PM CST reply actions
Yeah Marco essentially lost us this game his defense was not good at all.
He was slow to get out on defenders. could not break through screens.
Kaman and Okafor
They got abused routinely. Landry as well early in the game.
by njennings on Jan 2, 2012 10:21 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Monty
We may be seeing more of those this season.
"You play to win the game."
by MrWayneKeller on Jan 2, 2012 11:16 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Last couple of games Landry.
Has not played very well on the defense, he over fights for position, which leads to fouls he does not need. he only logged 15 minutes tonight, probably because he had three fouls by early in the second.
This Loss
Frustrates me because I felt the team played well. I’ll probably comment more tomorrow but this loss has left me disappointed but with a somewhat renewed optimism… Hope Gordon is back on Wednesday this offense needs him.
"You play to win the game."
by MrWayneKeller on Jan 2, 2012 11:15 PM CST via mobile reply actions
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