Jazz make Knicks look good; lose 109-113
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by CRS-ONE
Just how the Utah Jazz inexplicably wind winning against the Detroit Pistons, they seem to always wind up being beaten by the Knicks. Tonight was no different, as they lost 109-113 to New York.
The biggest problem was that the Jazz started off really slow. You really don't want to do that when your playing a team with a huge chip on their shoulder, especially when they are at home. The Knicks took the lead in the first period. The closest the Jazz got back was within two points.
The Knicks were lead by Stephon Marbury, who had an unusually good night. Marbury had a season-high 28 points. Zach Randolph had a good night against the Jazz's interior (25 points, 14 rebounds).
The Jazz's ongoing shooting guard woes were caused by Jamal Crawford, who scored 22.
As usual, the Jazz were lead by Carlos Boozer. When he was taken out of the game for most of the third quarter do to foul trouble, picking up his fourth foul three minutes into the period. He came back for the fourth as a beast, scoring 16 of his 30 points on the game.
Deron Williams had 26 points and 8 assists. He did help keep the game close but at times I really wish he would be trying to set up some of his teammates.
The Jazz also turned over the ball 14 times which really helped the Knicks. I was watching the game on MSG, and Walt Frazier even commented on how the Jazz need to get a better handle on the ball. They lead the league in assists while also being one of the leaders in turnovers committed.
I'm still surprised how bad Mehmet Okur is this season. Last year, he was one of the big reasons the Jazz did so well and was named to the All Star game. This year, he hasn't been doing well. He shot 3-11, only hitting one 3-pointer on six attempts.
I know he's slumping and will hopefully get back into his groove. The first month of the season is just ending. I'd rather see him struggle now then during the playoffs.
Watching a game that Frazier is providing commentary for is really a treat. His mastery of the English language is amazing. Never before have I heard the word "serendipity" used to describe a play in a basketball game. "Clyde" dropped it when describing a Kirilenko dunk. He also talked about his tie and had a period where he was speaking in rhyme, much like Roadblock from the old GI Joe cartoons.
This was the second game in the Jazz's Eastern Conference roadtrip. They take on Philadelphia this Wednesday.
