I got to go last night, thanks for the last minute ticket hook-up. With all the empty seats in the arena there should be some deals to be had on almost every game.
I've criticized Raja, but after watching last night I'm going to make a couple of statements in his defense. I expect no mercy.
For those of you who liked the defense, you should at least acknowledge Raja. For those who liked that the Jazz dictated the tempo, you need to absolutely acknowledge Raja. In the first quarter when Memphis was jumping out, Raja gothis hands on a couple of early passes and took a charge that seriously impacted Memphis runs.
Big Al had to be the most impressive player for either team, because every time he got the ball in the post everyone was watching, including his 4 teammates who just stood there in awe. He did pass it out of the post twice on one play only to get it back right back and go to work. I would describe big Al's style as uneventful. He rebounds, he blocks, he scores in the post but there was nothing to wow about. He is slow and deliberate.
The other black hole of offense is Burks. Kid has never seen a shot he didn't like. His teamates like to watch him play too, but not to the same degree of Al watching. Burks pushed the tempo, and played out of control on both ends. I thought Coach was going to pull him, interesting that he did not. I think I was less impressed than most here.
Hayward is half a step slow on offense, a step too far off his man on defense. He is in all the right places, plays calm and under control, but he might be second team material.
Coach Corbin is playing a crazy game of Chicken with his team. His rotations give almost everyone a chance to play and contribute.
I saw the Kanter high post flex turnover. I really liked him high and Favors low. I think it didn't work because the defense sagged off him, and I think one of the gaurds got hung up down there because there were too many bodies down low. When he can hit that shot he will be awesome.
