The good guys against the bad guys. The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best record in the western conference, are led by two All-Stars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook -- and in the off-season they nurse back to health injured baby unicorns. I guess that makes us the bad guys then. If that's the case, let's be bad and rough up the "teacher's pet team" that this league loves so much. The Utah Jazz are an inside/no out team that pounds it in the paint and have 13 wins somehow, despite getting nearly nothing from their guards this year. Jazz starters Devin Harris and Raja Bell, combined, average 15.4 ppg this season. OKC has three guys who average more than that by themselves.
That said, if OKC are the good guys, let's be the bad guys. And let's make life rough for the good guys.
Starters:
| Oklahoma City | vs. | Utah |
| Thunder | Jazz | |
| Kendrick Perkins | C | Al Jefferson |
| Serge Ibaka | PF | Paul Millsap |
| Kevin Durant | SF | Gordon Hayward |
| Daequan Cook | SG | Raja Bell |
| Russell Westbrook | PG | Devin Harris |
0 recs | 226 comments
I'm first tonight...
…kind of like throwing out the first pitch except it’s not baseball and I’m not the president.
MTN - February 10, 2012
"It's hard to sing with someone who won't sing with you" - Jayhawks lyrics
Sorta like being the only guy in a chat thread.
MTN - February 10, 2012
Jayhawks! I love the jayhawks..
most under appreciated band in the country. All sorts of great albums. Really bummed they didn’t come through MT on the latest tour.
JazzMT - February 10, 2012
it is sad to be alone
and one is the loneliest number that you’ll ever see
gubihero - February 10, 2012
of course being in the game thread an hour and a half early might have soemthing to do with it
gubihero - February 10, 2012
oops... I thought it was a 7pm game. Lame.
MTN - February 10, 2012
so in the fantasy bball league game
i had kyrie irving and found out today he has a concussion and is out, sad
gubihero - February 10, 2012
crappy
MTN - February 10, 2012
Not sad for those who didn't pick him!
;)
Wilder. - February 10, 2012
too true
gubihero - February 10, 2012
I need big nights from Millsap and Durant
Hoping to finish in the money.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
I have pretty much everybody else in the game
Hayward, Westbrook, Favors, and bargain basement value in Kanter
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
...hater lol
My utility players were crap. Thats what I get for an All-Star type roster.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Anyone know the Jazz's precise record playing televised games?
I just know it’s not good.
allen aoki - February 10, 2012
i'm going to do a post on it. it's not good this year. but it's looking back over the last 5 years
AllThatJazzBasketball - February 10, 2012
needs to include the Deron vs. No Deron stat
Deron got up to play those games.
moni - February 10, 2012
Not going to be able to join ya'll tonight
but I’ll be watching at work. Go JAZZ!
Bebop - February 10, 2012
Watching the Knicks game, Lin is unbelievable. What an amazing story.
jrclone - February 10, 2012
PG of the future for Utah?
I kid, I kid…or do I?
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
It's pretty amazing
But it means we’re going to miss the start of the Jazz game!!
G Note - February 10, 2012
Hoping the Knicks can run out the clock here so we get to the Jazz on time
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
Accuscore shows OKC as a 64% to 36% favorite over Jazz tonight; here's hoping its wrong
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
Linsanity making jazz game late.
dwillforlife - February 10, 2012
Why didn't we know about Lin?
argh… Is he going to be the Tom Brady or Terrell Davis of the NBA?
MTN - February 10, 2012
We should draft a Harvard point guard to be our point guard of the future
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
too late
MTN - February 10, 2012
those are *literally*
once-in-a-generation players.
moni - February 10, 2012
I just don't understand how he was cut from two different teams
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
Here is to Durant and Millsap scoring 60 points each
Get me some money.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Evening everyone.
Do we have a chance with these guys tonite?
dagdajones - February 10, 2012
I like our chances. Hopefully the Kings loss has them caught off guard.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
THe Lin Machine will come crashing to a halt as soon as Melo gets back on the court.
MTN - February 10, 2012
Hayward has no chance tonight. KD will go for 60 or 70 tonight.
MTN - February 10, 2012
Hayward...you don't block rebounds bro.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Linsanity is over guys, get ready for some Harrisanity!!
(I hope)
G Note - February 10, 2012
A different kind of insanity.
moni - February 10, 2012
Great D by Gordon on Durantula there
I’m excited to see this matchup play out
G Note - February 10, 2012
I hope you still feel that way at half time.
MTN - February 10, 2012
I will be
Durant is going to score 30+ on any Jazz defender. I love watching Gordon play, because he always steps up against great players. Even if he only gets one stop, I’ll enjoy it.
G Note - February 10, 2012
word
MTN - February 10, 2012
Of course Al leads the team
He don’t pass it to anybody.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
To his credit
he’s really stepped up on the passing front (in general) over the past few weeks.
moni - February 10, 2012
Looking good so far guys.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
You can tell the Jazz came to play tonight
It’s annoying that they never seem to have this mental fortitude on the road
G Note - February 10, 2012
Surprise! Need to guard the outside shot better
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
3 Fest! Everybody shoot a 3!!
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Love Westbrook pulling up for 3's
Great player. Not much upstairs though.
G Note - February 10, 2012
Harris to Bell - nice feed!
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
Where is this effort on the road?
It’s maddening.
moni - February 10, 2012
it comes with the crowd
jrclone - February 10, 2012
Should we take the crowd on the road?
If it means wins, lets do it.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Good question, as an FYI here are our home/road PF/PA:
Home-
PF 99
PA 92.9
Away-
PF 93.7
PA 104.2
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
go hayward
gubihero - February 10, 2012
OH MY O.G
G Note - February 10, 2012
Hayward! You know how to alley oop?!?
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Evans dressed in a Hayward suit so he could get on the court
G Note - February 10, 2012
#LetEvansDunk
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Nice cuts tonight
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
Really liking Harris' offense AND defense tonight
I hope it lasts.
G Note - February 10, 2012
Love the intensity tonight from the team.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Harden looks like a guy I created on my video game
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
This week's guess the sc0re c0ntest is weird.
Many fav0red the thunder to win
utahjazz-philippines - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Could Harris play like this all the time?
MTN - February 10, 2012
So easy for the Thunder to score.
moni - February 10, 2012
agreed, we're only in this due to extremely good shooting
we can’t stay in the game with this kind of defense.
jrclone - February 10, 2012
Best the Jazz have played on a national broadcast this year
We usually stink it up under the spotlight. Hope Bell can keep playing like he’s 25!
G Note - February 10, 2012
If he can start hitting that 3 point shot consistently, this team has a shot
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
Anyone ever wonder if teams agree to only play defense in 4th quarter in a shortened season?
Jazz shooting 55%
OKC shooting 57.9%
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
Jazz plays on Sunday?
Right on.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
that's some great defense there
jrclone - February 10, 2012
Why is Burks pulled so quickly for poor shot selection, yet Howard is given free reign?
jrclone - February 10, 2012
Don't question Ty.
Though I totally agree.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Internet is being really weird
Can’t get a stream up. Update?! :) Thanks!
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Everybody who shoots makes it.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Both teams shooting really well, fast paced.
Jazz giving up too many easy baskets, but have kept in it by making jumpers.
jrclone - February 10, 2012
Harden so rude!
Don’t you know it’s his special day????
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
If OKC is allowing 56%, do we dare put Burks and Evans in and let them just go wild?
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
"we" might
Ty wouldn’t
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
is there a record for most offensive fouls in a season?
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
I hate all 3 point make celebrations.
jrclone - February 10, 2012
what about earl's 3-salute the other day?
moni - February 10, 2012
Good point. I hate all 3 point make celebrations except for Jazz players.
Although if one of them makes the goggles, I’ll hate that too.
jrclone - February 10, 2012
that salute was badass
G Note - February 10, 2012
it ranks right up there with Okur's "big balls" celebration
jrclone - February 10, 2012
This game is turning into my church ball game from last night
Screw the defense, just shoot it up.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Just tuning in...WE'RE WINNING AFTER ONE?!?
Thank whoever your pray to for back to backs
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Oh Sexual Favors
Given to OKC
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
wow OKC turn it over a lot
I guess it doesn’t really matter when you have Durant and Westbrook scoring at will
G Note - February 10, 2012
Speaking of striking out
Josh Howard
allen aoki - February 10, 2012
#benchJosh #freeEric
G Note - February 10, 2012
Well to be fair
He got that steal
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Looked like Reggie Jackson just missed the dunk to me
allen aoki - February 10, 2012
Getting sick of Favors being called for O Fouls
Sometimes they’re there, often they’re not.
If only he got the same respect from the ref’s that Griffin has…
G Note - February 10, 2012
OR
half it…
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
that scream
wow
G Note - February 10, 2012
CJ with the power slam.
jrclone - February 10, 2012
Favors misses two free throws - I thought he was money at the line
#Favorsshooting200FTstomorrow
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
Kanter is struggling to hold onto the ball tonight.
jrclone - February 10, 2012
good thing we signed Carroll
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Favors needs to be able to jump over the guy and dunk that
THAT’S using elite athleticism. I think Favors sadly is a level under that.
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Need this win badly
utahjazz-philippines - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Would be huge
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
I'd rather not give KOC anymore false hope
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Does anyone else wish that Greg Miller would shave that tool-looking goatee?
jrclone - February 10, 2012
I have seen more than a few tweets about that lol
moni - February 10, 2012
something like #shavegregmiller?
jrclone - February 10, 2012
Watson to Miles
:( #LetEvansDunk
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Watson is the prince of oops
jrclone - February 10, 2012
p.o.oops
MTN - February 10, 2012
nicely done.
jrclone - February 10, 2012
Never gets old
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
#LetCJDunk
allen aoki - February 10, 2012
Watson and Miles have the Earlyoop down pat
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
This game is FUN
Sure no defense, but fun is directly correlated to the number of alley-oops
G Note - February 10, 2012
Teams agreed to play no defense until the 4th quarter
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
Makes for a fascinating game for sure
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
salt lob city
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Howard does not make our team better.
MTN - February 10, 2012
Pre-injury Howard did
allen aoki - February 10, 2012
but he does take up precious minutes.
jrclone - February 10, 2012
good for the team
if we are contending…
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
He may come around
His D and energy are looking alright tonight
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Mullin
that’s the ugliest tie I have ever seen
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
That was an ugly three attempt
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
...which one?
Couple ugly shots in a row
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
I think it may have been Howard
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
park that butt on the bench Howard
G Note - February 10, 2012
These commercials are so confusing
Am I supposed to get her diamonds, chocolate, or the new Twilight movie?
TOO MANY CHOICES
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
Remember when we used to block shots?
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
here we go....
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Not sure why Al didn't get the call with Perkins jumping into him on the shot
pacoelcid - February 10, 2012
Millsap blows lately
dwillforlife - February 10, 2012
def
not an all star. needs to back to his old ways
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
He's proving that he's not an all star...
MTN - February 10, 2012
Is jazz still in the game?
utahjazz-philippines - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Very much so
Only down by 5
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
of course we're in it
it’s a home game
MTN - February 10, 2012
Harris is earning his money tonight
MTN - February 10, 2012
ESPN is in town.
king.nothing - February 10, 2012
Time to tank games?
utahjazz-philippines - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Im ready. if it mean Burks can see one damn minute of playing time.
dwillforlife - February 10, 2012
anybody else find it weird that raja is our lead scorer right now?
and the only one in double figures, we got to draw up some plays for the hot hand
gubihero - February 10, 2012
I miss the "thunder from down under" pic.
:(
DWest - February 10, 2012
I want to see Burks in the second half....
Howard not so much, he has been pretty terrible since his injury, maybe he should build up his confidence in the D-League for the rest of the season
Waxmaster - February 10, 2012
If only we were allowed to send vets to the D-League.
Sigh.
DWest - February 10, 2012
Can we really win?
utahjazz-philippines - February 10, 2012 via mobile
cant predict the future dude
G Note - February 10, 2012
Don't need to.
We can just say that yes, we CAN win. Will we? Nobody knows.
DWest - February 10, 2012
we're not the washington generals playing the harlem globetrotters
jrclone - February 10, 2012
that was the best pass i have seen devin harris make this season
to big al
Bryan Chang - February 10, 2012
Millsap is about to punch a ref out
Is he banned from getting a foul call!?
G Note - February 10, 2012
The answer is yes.
moni - February 10, 2012
He just tore Ibaka down, hahhaa
G Note - February 10, 2012
Wow..
Looks like some good team ball tonight. Just tuning in
JonJonJazz - February 10, 2012
Hayward
Is doing great stuff too. Woot!
JonJonJazz - February 10, 2012
oh my gosh westbrook 2 fast
for harris…
u think burks can stay in front of him?….idk
Bryan Chang - February 10, 2012
doubt Coach Ty will ever let us find out
G Note - February 10, 2012
Why doesn't Harris pass and play this well every game? He's even trying hard on defense, hassling the Westbrook
I really, really hope this is a sign of things to come
G Note - February 10, 2012
and on queue he turns it over, doh
G Note - February 10, 2012
i commend his effort though
and the entire jazz team. Even though they are getting beat
Bryan Chang - February 10, 2012
Twice...
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
How did Devin lose the ball on that possession?
moni - February 10, 2012
Tried to pull it back because the shot clock was almost out, lost it
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
ah. happened so fast I wasn't able to catch it.
moni - February 10, 2012
Well my stream is slow
so it may have been one of his other two turnovers you’re talking about.
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Hate to see all the runs at the end of the quarters
End of the 2nd, ‘start’ of the end this quarter. If they’d had played these stretches evenly, our bench would have us up by 10+
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
When it works, that hard bounce pass is so sweet
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
Im seeing a lot of fouls on Big Al that aren't being called
Still, no excuse for our defense being non-existent
G Note - February 10, 2012
we could at least be down like 6-7, instead of 10 perhaps
if al goes at least 3-4
Bryan Chang - February 10, 2012
I'll let Al slide on that stretch
he was playing a little weak, but he probably could’ve gotten a call or two
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Al complains about the call on one end
While hayward and watson get back to defend whoever is down low..which leaves durant open for the 3. Al needs to just keep playing and stop worrying about the calls.
Jeromice - February 10, 2012
Sadly, the majority of star/fringe star players do that on every team
moni - February 10, 2012
Partially because it works, look at Kobe
If the wheel is squeaky in the right way, it actually does get the grease
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
What a very CJ shot.
moni - February 10, 2012
I feel like
John Stockton came in this week as the Jazz were off and taught them to bounce pass. Great passing in the first quarter especially
JefeRojo - February 10, 2012
Love me some Favors
The world would be a better place if he got more minutes
G Note - February 10, 2012
Kanter J!
moni - February 10, 2012
And some post play!
MY TURKEY
G Note - February 10, 2012
I have seen kanter and favors do such similar drop steps to big al's
yup, they are definitely learning from him =)
Bryan Chang - February 10, 2012
Look at these kids go!
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
Jazz catching up when the bench gets some tick - just like always
(yes, I realise the Thunder’s second unit stink)
G Note - February 10, 2012
Compared to the Jazz, most second units stin
Depth is perhaps Utah’s greatest strength this year
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
except the part where our first team is not deep.
moni - February 10, 2012
Lite thread tonight
Just cherin in to say you guys are right about Favors. He’s looking much better offensively.
jazzed - February 10, 2012 via Android app
3 straight L?
utahjazz-philippines - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Just got home.
To see 2 TOs by the Jazz. Fun.
hamfist - February 10, 2012
be happy you didn't see all the other TOs
moni - February 10, 2012
Tempted to just turn it off.
But then I would miss Burks playing 2 minutes of garbage time.
hamfist - February 10, 2012
Good D by Kanter, Favors needs to stop settling for a jump shot and attack the bucket
Unless CJ goes into Doe-mode and drains some 3’s, this is going to be tough since we don’t play defense
G Note - February 10, 2012
The second unit either plays well, or completely implodes.
jjrosk - February 10, 2012
Extended the lead with their starters out
It’s over
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Ibaka always kills the Jazz.
His length just ruins Millsap, and makes Ibaka look like an offensive force.
hamfist - February 10, 2012
You all ready to watch Westbrook shoot free throws for the rest of the game?
jjrosk - February 10, 2012
Really Millsap?
How did you miss him?
hamfist - February 10, 2012
OKC 24 FTA's, UTA 7 FTA's
Yeah the Jazz have fouled a lot on D, but they’ve also taken most of their shots in the paint.
Foul disparity in Jazz games always irks me
G Note - February 10, 2012
OKC is the best team ever.
Or haven’t you heard?
hamfist - February 10, 2012
Sap is so off tonight
BJInIndiana - February 10, 2012
oh noes millsap =(
Bryan Chang - February 10, 2012
Millsap should not have missed that
Unbelievable pass from Hayward
G Note - February 10, 2012
f n a Sap
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Wow, Sap can't buy a bucket
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
OKC = Not that impressive tonight
But Westbrook, Durant and Harden at the end of games is just dirty to guard. Dirty.
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
burks hasnt played the last 4; were about to have lost the last _ games.. .
bucimislover - February 10, 2012
Dear KOC
we can’t hang with the big boys. give the young kids some space on the depth chart
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
This Jazz team makes me sad.
13 minutes for Kanter and Favors, 0 minutes for Burks. I just can’t get behind this. Obviously I don’t know how everyone played, but minutes have to be found or the d-will trade was a waste. Sort of makes me want to cry.
hamfist - February 10, 2012
Just thinking the same thing.
jjrosk - February 10, 2012
I like Josh Howard, he's had some nice plays and possibly been the difference in a win or two
But he’s not in our plans for the future. Alone, he doesn’t take us to the level of a playoff team. I’d much prefer Burks take his minutes, maybe give hot CJ some more burn. That’s what we need to develop. It’s on KOC.
G Note - February 10, 2012
KOC can say young guys have to earn their minutes and the Jazz are going to compete
But the Jazz are often more competitive with the young guys on the floor. That’s the truth.
moni - February 10, 2012
They play well enough to earn more minutes, but they never actually get them
G Note - February 10, 2012
oh noes millsap again
Bryan Chang - February 10, 2012
awful
zdid - February 10, 2012 via Android app
The Early Optimism...
… has well and truly been quelled. Too many chumps remain on the roster after all. Until the necessary moves are made by KO’C, mediocrity is the ceiling. Nice to have some clarity now, if nothing else.
Borgs - February 10, 2012
If we lose all three of the back-to-back-to-back
Does KOC blow up the team?
jjrosk - February 10, 2012
No, he'll just tell Ty to play the vets more.
moni - February 10, 2012
Or are we still "competing"?
jjrosk - February 10, 2012
Major Surgery...
… is not really needed. Just a tinkering; get a couple of older guys out the door.
Borgs - February 10, 2012
The only guys we gotta move are Al and Harris
And in return, a backup big (Memo would have been the perfect 4th big, also would have made Harris and Al shippable together for an above average PG…sigh) and assets (or a PG of the future). If we don’t get a PG, Watson and Tinsley hold down the fort, with Burks and Hayward playing emergency duty (no 3rd PG, so we can keep Evans around and active).
Seems perfectly fine to me.
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
I'm with you
… on those two guys being shipped. Howard and Bell would be next on the list except that they’re so cheap and the Jazz need backups in those positions. Plus, they do provide veteran savvy. It’s an oft-repeated refrain, but it’s all about waiting for a good PG to show up, one way or another. I just don’t think any team would give one up, with such a premium on them in today’s NBA, for Jefferson and Harris, whom might only be worth much lesser players or draft picks at this stage. O’Connor will have to draft or sign a PG, sadly. A big bunch of patience is required from the fan base, it seems. Either waiting for the PG to materialise, or for the youngsters to mature to such a level that it overcompensates for the void at the team’s helm.
Borgs - February 10, 2012
Gotta move Howard or Bell to free up Erin Brinks
jjrosk - February 10, 2012
I didn't see the first quarter
But from what I have seen I’m officially ready to ship off Harris and Al for Steph Curry and whoever.
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Warriors
… are reportedly a more prudent operation since the new ownership. I don’t think they’re dumb enough for that one anymore.
Borgs - February 10, 2012
They can have their pick back too
We don’t need a lottery pick this year if we can pick up a guy like Curry. I’d much rather make due with the sure thing.
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
I'm not sure how a guy with...
a glass ankle is a sure thing.
Also the salaries are way off, so the Jazz would have to eat the massive longterm contracts of horrible Biedrins &/or craptastic Lee to get Curry, so no thanks.
Waxmaster - February 11, 2012
I'd even take back Kwame
Damn near kill to have Curry on the Jazz at this very moment.
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
Furthermore
… if Curry’s any good as a PG, you know that Mark Jackson is going to recognise the need to keep him in GS.
Borgs - February 10, 2012
Obviously
Let a guy dream though, I mean, my fantasy involved Curry coming to the Jazz, that’s good for everyone.
3 in the Key - February 10, 2012
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