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Jazz Bags - Post Game Thoughts 2-1-12
Ben Bagley - February 2nd, 2012
Tags: Jazz, Pro, NBA, Basketball, Bags and Parks
A Tough Loss
On one hand, the Jazz missed 10 free throws and were out rebounded by 15 tonight while giving up 107 points. On the other, Jazz lost by 2 to a team more talented and with the best point guard in the game playing at his best while missing their best defender and lost the spark plug in the second half.
Wow, a tough one to get a hold of, and that’s why it’s such a tough loss.
Chris Paul was simply amazing tonight (15 or 24, 11 assists, with 34 points). He is (in my not so humble opinion) the best point guard in the league. Blake Griffin went Blake Griffin scoring 31 while grabbing 14 boards. You have two of the best in the league doing what they do best.
Yet, The Jazz had this game if they made just one or two more plays. That makes it tough to swallow
Gordon Hayward’s Defense
Late in the fourth quarter after Chris Paul had rained down another fade away jumper over another Jazz point guard, Ty Corbin made a interesting move defensively. Like many of Ty’s moves thus far this season, this one worked as well as he slide Gordon Hayward (6-8) over to guard Chris Paul (6-0). After the switch, Paul didn’t score again.
Hayward has at times struggled offensively this year and has caught flack for it. While lost in the offensive struggles by fans, Gordon’s defense hasn’t been lost on the coaching staff. The Jazz coaches have a lot of faith in the defense of the 2nd year player and with out Raja (who will not play tomorrow) Hayward will be leaned on heavily tomorrow with another set of scoring guards in Golden State waiting.
Earl Watson = Stud
Watson sprained his left ankle in the second half and left the game. X-rays in the locker room were negative and he is listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s game in Golden State. Don’t tell Earl that though. Earl in the locker room pointed out that he has a high tolerance of pain, didn’t say anything more than that, just threw it out there.
Then the only other thing Watson said after the game had nothing to do with his injury, but with his play. Watson said HE needed to play better. HE needed to pick his game up to the next level. Enough said!
Al Jefferson
How much of a difference does Al make in this offense?
Oh and he had 4 assists!