Tonight was a good night for basketball teams from Utah. First off, the Utes came away with (arguably) the best win from the Jim Boylen era, taking down the UNLV Rebels. The Rebels were the #1 team in the conference (holding the tiebreaker over BYU) and had beaten the Utes 5 straight times. Utah has struggled against teams that they should have beaten (most recently Wyoming at home) and has shown much of the same inconsistencies that plagued them last year. They have shown a huge improvement in their defense though - leading the league in many defensive stats. They are giving up almost 20 points less than last year and holding teams to 12% worse shooting (and an amazing 18% worse from beyond the arc).This win was not only a statement win for the Utes but a welcomed win from Cougar fans as well. BYU (having beaten TCU this evening as well) now has sole possession of the top spot in the conference. That obviously won't last as the Utes have to play in Happy Valley on the 20th. But, nonetheless, you're welcome.
Now onto the Jazz. The Jazz played the Denver Nuggets tonight in a dirty division game. Both teams were called for numerous fouls and a couple of players fouled out on the Jazz, while Carmelo Anthony fouled out on the Nuggets. I had to turn away from the game for a bit because I was getting so worked up over it. Boozer had a horrible night, but Deron Williams and Kyle Korver more than picked up the slack. The game was played in Denver, decided in overtime and ended up being their 10th straight win (the last time that they won 10 straight games was almost 9 years ago!). Like I said, a good night for Utah basketball teams.
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The Nuggets decided to play dirty ball tonight, but luckily The Jazz still took 'em. I hope Brewer is okay.
Here's a funny quote from Steve Luhm's Jazz blog:
"Thanks to reader Ben Smith, who passes along this quote from LeBron James, which I had not seen but thought was interesting.
After the Cavaliers' 114-113 win over over the Celtics on Tuesday night, James was asked if Boston is one of the league's most (trash) talkative teams.
"They're up there," he said. "Them and Detroit. They talk, but they back it up."
Asked which team does the least amount of trash-talking during a game, James said, "Utah. They don't say nothing. They just kick your butt."
The ghost of John Stockton lives, apparently."
So is Jim Boylen another Ron McBride? KO the big boys, but fail to put away games that should be won?
With Giacolletti's recruits he well may be (another Ron McBride), but next year the Utes have the #1 or #2 recruiting class in the conference. I expect things will then be different.
Another reason that yesterday was a good day for Utah sports was that yesterday was national signing day (for football, of course). Utah ended up signing a bunch of great recruits (and according to rivals.com has the best recruiting class in the conference - 59th overall). Hopefully there will be a few new impact players on the team next season.
Whoops. I forgot the link to the rivals.com rankings.
Nice win by the Utes.
I actually watched the last minutes of regular time in the Jazz game, and the overtime! Look at me go!
Taylor watched a Jazz game? I'm sure that's not a first, but it couldn't have been more than a second or third :-)
So, I'm curious about this weight loss challenge bar that you have at the top of your blog. What's the deal ?
Anna, the weight loss challenge bar refers to this post and my goal to lose 20 lbs. If you're wondering why its been stuck on 56% for who knows how long - well that can only be attributed to my enjoyment of delicious meatballs, lasagna, chicken pillows, miscellaneous desserts and many other fantastic food items.
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