Game Night: Utah Jazz vs. Miami Heat
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by CRS-ONE
The Utah Jazz and the Miami Heat are two teams going in different directions.
The Jazz are leading the Northwest division and in their last game proved that they can win without two of their starters. The Heat are the worst team in the Southeast division and just got crushed by the Denver Nuggets.
That said, I don't seem to hopeful about Utah's chances tonight. The Jazz have lost their last seven games against the Heat.
Miami's record (4-12) makes us forget that they won the NBA Championship two years ago. Shaquille O'Neal may be getting older, but the Jazz really don't have anyone who is as physically as dominant as him. Carlos Boozer may be on offense, but I doubt he could stop Shaq on the other end. Dwyane Wade hasn't been that impressive this season, but he's still one of the top shooting guards in the league. Remember...the Jazz have problems guarding the wing.
Both teams have a few key players who are listed as game time decisions. For the Jazz, Boozer and Mehmet Okur might both be out. Miami's two point guards might miss the game as well; Jayson Williams with a sprained foot and Smush Parker for getting into a fight with a female parking valet. For the Jazz to win tonight, here are five key things:
- Deron Williams needs to have a big night. Miami's point guard situation will be a mess. Williams has another opportunity to have a high scoring game. The Heat might play Wade at the point, leaving a huge hole at their shooting guard position. Benefit wise, that would help out the Jazz.
- Use the small lineup. Shaq is another year older and slower. So is Alonzo Mourning, who gets a lot of time at the C and PF. If the Jazz use a smaller lineup with Williams, Ronnie Brewer, Andrei Kirilenko and Paul Millsap, that would take Shaq and Zo out of the game.
- Defend Wade. This is a given, and Brewer and Kirilenko will have a challenge tonight. The secret to taking Wade out of a game is not letting him penetrate and get to the basket. He gets a ridiculous amount of free throw opportunities due to the wreckless way he barrels through the paint. Keep him on the outside where he's been awful this season, shooting somewhere around 10% from the three point line.
- Don't defend Shaq. Well, maybe not that much. Shaq is a great passer. When he gets doubled, there's a few Heaters who can get hot like Ricky Williams and Jason Williams. It also opens up space for Wade to work.
- The Ukrainian Monster! I know Kyrylo Fesenko is still extremely raw and has to work on his fundamentals. Thats why he's been sent to the NBADL's Utah Flash. If Okur and Boozer aren't available to play, give him some tick. Out of a morbid curiosity, I would love to see how he would play against Shaq. Getting playing time against one of the league's biggest name could only help his confidence.
