Reason #159038 to hate the Jazz. They're playing well when they're supposed to be sucking. It's early, but so far they're 6th in scoring, 10th in assists, 1st in FG%, and 7th in 3 point %. Their defensive numbers are skewed a little by the Dallas game, but even in that game they had a good offensive night, getting 25 assists on 37 field goals. Dallas just has too much firepower. The scariest part is that during both of their wins, they made their big run in the 4th quarter, which is a sign of a well coached team. Maybe they're not going to give up that playoff spot as easily as we thought they would...
Not denying those numbers, but in the Wolves game KG was ejected in the first half. The Wolves are a drastically different team without KG on the floor.
Utah wasn't a 2 man team. Everyone was talking about Utah as Stockton-Malone team but everyone forgot about Sloan.
They remind me of Doc Rivers first year in Orlando, no stars, just all good solid basketball players. DD
When Garnett was ejected, the Wolves trailed by 13. They eventually took the lead and lost it in the last 4-5 minutes of the game.
As pointed out, Stockton and Malone are gone, but what remains is Sloan, his system and some players that are fundamentally sound and play within themselves. I realize he has only been on the floor as a Rocket for 9 whole minutes, bu Padgett's shot selection and passing decisions are another testament to staying within your game.
This is actually fine with me. I hope they win 30-40 games a year for the next 10 years and get mired in the high end of the lotto; that way they will never get another superstar player as free agents won't go there. Enjoy it suckers.
If Sloan gets the Jazz in the playoffs it has to go down as one of the greatest coaching feats ever. I dont see it happening eventually lack of talent will take its toll but theyre one of the top stories of the league early on.
Has Sloan ever won Coach of the Year, because if he gets them into the playoffs this year i would give my support to that man(as much as i hate the jazz)
He's never won. He's an amazing coach, and anyone who would sail into the abyss with this team instead of leaving with Stockton and Malone has my vote. If this team wins even 30 games (in a BRUTALLY competitive conference), he's Coach of the Year, hands down.
In many ways it would be pretty cool if, in the year Stockton retires, and Malone abandones ship, Utah eliminates the Lakers from the playoffs... I know...blashphemous on many levels...but worth a chuckle.
I am so proud of my beloved Jazz team. For the last two years, the Jazz-Kings playoff series were the most exciting ones to me. They always played their butts off ... Sloan has heart.
