Game Night: Jazz at Sixers 11-28-7

Tonight the Jazz and I get to go to the Wachovia Center. The Sixers/Jazz game is the only time I get to catch a Jazz game in person. I like both teams so I’m stoked about tonight’s game.

The Jazz are coming off a tough loss against the New York Knicks. They really could have won that game. The Sixers beat the Bucks last night, 114-99.

Even though the Sixers are still in rebuilding mode, they are much better than there record shows. They are lead by Andre Iguodala, who is talented on both ends of the floor and will soon be a consideration for the All Star game.

The Jazz’s front court has an advantage tonight. We all know what Carlos Boozer will contribute---20 points, 10 rebounds. He won’t have to worry about either of Philadelphia’s power forwards tonight; Reggie Evans and Jason Smith aren’t capable on the offensive end. Boozer will bully the two around the court; he’s larger than Evans and stronger, more athletic than Smith.

Philadelphia could have their center Samuel Dalembert guard Boozer. Unfortunately, that would allow Mehmet Okur to be freed up around the perimeter. They don’t have any bigs that would be effective following Okur on the outside. Tonight is a big opportunity for Okur and hopefully it will get him out of his slump. On offense, Dalembert is very inconsistent and it’s hard to predict the type of game he’ll have.

Both teams have very good point guards. Deron Williams is worthy of the praise he’s received this season, but Sixer Andre Miller is a solid player.

Igoudala and Andrei Kirilenko are equal. They can score when needed (which is a big part of Iguodala’s job) and be effective defenders.

If the Jazz are going to win tonight, this is what they need to do:

Guard the perimeter. This is a simple thing that the Jazz struggle with—don’t let the other team get hot from the three point line. The Sixers are glad to have Kyle Korver back, as he can be deadly from the outside. They also have about four or five players capable of shooting the three.
Turnovers. The Jazz are the fourth highest team in the league in this category. This leads to their opponents getting easy points. Iguodala is ridiculously quick and the Sixers usually give him the ball on the fast break. Don’t set him up for easy points.
Someone step up. Boozer and Williams are the most consistent scorers on the team. Kirilenko and Okur are former All Stars; they can play better.
Might have to play small. The Sixers are a very quick team. To combat that, the Jazz should play the Williams/Ronnie Brewer/Kirilenko/Paul Millsap/Boozer line up.
Win. The dozen Jazz fans at the Wachovia Center want to see it. Send them home happy.