A lot will be told by the first qt. If the Rockets come out flat, they'll get layup and open jump shot out the gym. If they come out and play hard they'll be in the game but probably get out executed in the end. Marshall and Malone will have big games.
predict a close victory... rox 89 scum 86 highlights: -the rox win -17pts, 12rbds, 4ast, 4bl night for eddie -0to 22pts, 8ast for steve -malone getting elbowed in the head by eddie. after the game eddie responds to the media about an angry malone "The move was performed against me by Karl Malone, on his way to a basket. The move was called 'Legal' by the refs, so i decided to use his own moves against him. Nobody likes that... but isn't imitation the highest form of flattery "
Hopefully they won't build a big lead on the Jazz in the first quarter. If they do, they are bound to lose. Portland was up 26-11 after one, and were outscored 27-9 in the second quarter for a three point Jazz lead. Phoenix was up 30-18 after one, and were outscored 33-9 in the second quarter for a 12 point Jazz lead. Unbelievable, but true. Especially considering that this was done by a lineup featuring John Crotty and Scott Padgett. There are four keys to this game: 1. The Rockets have to rebound well. You can't let the Jazz have second opportunities, because they almost always score after offensive boards. 2. Houston has to shoot decently. At least 44 percent. 3. They must NEVER, EVER leave Stockton open for three. He never misses against the Rockets. In fact, they have to stay out on ALL the shooters. Even Donyell Marshall becomes Reggie Miller against Houston. 4. They have to limit the easy layups by the Jazz. This is the game I have been looking forward to for a long time. I think that this is the year when Houston can finally split or win the season series against the Jazz. Don't let the 18-16 record fool you. Utah is crap. They have been winning lately because teams have been underestimating them. Judging from that Chron article, it looks like the Rockets have the right attitude. They have to win this game. If they do, I will be the happiest I have been all season. I don't care if it's a 70-68 clunker, or a 110-105 shootout, as long as the Rockets beat Utah. Here is my prediction. None of what I posted above will happen, and the Jazz will cruise. This is a game the Rockets should win. Following that tradition, they are almost required to lose. Rockets: 80 Jazz: 98 Now go out and prove me wrong, again. PLEASE!
