Game preview -- Jazz vs Heat
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Jazz got worked the last time they played the Heat, a 119-110 loss that was worse than the score indicated. The loss came during the low point of the season, when the Jazz lost 4 games in a row (including one buzzer-beater by Gilbert Arenas and a 54-point game by Ray Allen). The Jazz are humming of late and have won 6 in a row. Wonder how things will go tonight ...
Season series: Miami leads, 1-0.
What happened last time: The Heat's Dwyane Wade had 32 points (21-23 FTs), Jason Kapono had 18 points (on 4-5 3-point shooting) and Jason Williams had 20 points. The Jazz trailed 64-48 at halftime and were led by Carlos Boozer's 29 points and 14 rebounds and Deron Williams' 19 points, six rebounds and five assists. This game was lost on the free throw line, as the Heat went 42-45 from the line (compared to the Jazz's 37-54).
What to expect this time: Miami's win streak is much like Utah's in that the Heat have won against some creampuffs (Atlanta, Minnesota) and beaten some good teams, too (Chicago, Washington twice and Detroit). O'Neal has gotten a lot of credit of late, but Heat F Antonie Walker has played better the last five games. He's averaging 11.8 ppg and has made some critical baskets during the Heat's win streak. The Jazz need to get out on the break tonight and make the aging Heat run. Hopefully they can get Miami in foul trouble because the Heat are injured and don't have the depth the the Jazz have. Finally, Okur has to make some 3s tonight to loosen up the interior for Boozer (and to draw O'Neal/Alonzo Mourning out of their comfort zone).
Prediction: This seems like the kind of game the Jazz will hang around in, but lose. I'm going to go with that feeling ... Heat win, 102-97.
