Analysis on First Four Games and Thoughts on Remaining Series

Okay now, we are 2 and 2. 4 games down, 3 to go. Through the four games we get to know the Jazz better and now it is time to review the series and offer some observations.

Rox is a "sleeper" for a reason. On this point, I agree with JVG. "Sleeper" or "Dangerous" are not complimentary words. It says Rox would be lucky to get far in playoffs, which is nothing more true. I consider Rox lucky to pull off this series with Utah. Of the four games, we were totally dominated in the last two losing by 20+ points in each, but steal the first two with slim margins. After today's loss, reality is that Rox is not a top team and getting out of first round would be considered an achievement.

Digging deeper, there are two glaring problems with Rox. One, our starters are good and supporting cast is also decent. However the problem here is the lack of mental toughness. The desire to win and the nastiness. This directly causes our team to break down when Jazz buckle down in the last two games. This season, I recall very few games worth pumping my fist. Two, our bench. Look around all the playoff teams in the west - even the Lakers bench would be an upgrade over ours. This will be the determining factor that would drive Utah past us.

Finally, it is still too early to panic. However, based on the matchups and what I have seen, I hate to be a pessimistic person.