(Trent Nelson)

Yeah he’s that good

Utah Jazz exploded into the company of the NBA’s elite last year as a result of Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams. Perhaps no two players epitomize their team more than they do. Both won in college and brought a sense of purpose with them to the Jazz. They play hard, expect their teammates to do the same, and give consistent effort. Williams and Boozer are more an extension of their coach, Jerry Sloan, than a reincarnation of Jazz legends Stockton and Malone. They are hard nosed, tough, players who excel because they consistently execute.

The Jazz are a great story and a great team. There’s a little more to this series though.

Just in case some of you aren’t up to snuff, Tracy McGrady has never advanced past the first round of the playoffs. He’s been one and done every year he’s made it to the postseason. This year the odds for success aren’t much better than his previous playoff years in Toronto, Orlando and Houston. No Yao Ming means that the Rockets will have less margin for error, both offensively and defensively. If they’re up to the task then it will because Tracy McGrady led them.

To lead is rarely a desired task. The joy of leading to victory is tapered by the agony of leading those same men into defeat. Your legacy isn’t made in the playoffs…..it’s made by winning in the playoffs. Houston has shown the ability to play at an extremely high level. Rick Adelman’s offensive philosophies have allowed Houston to make the most out of a roster that isn’t very intimidating player by player. Their commitment to hustle and defense has allowed them to compete with the cream of the crop in the Western Conference.

All in all the Rockets fate will rest on the shoulders of Tracy McGrady. Will he or won’t he.

I don’t think he will.

Jazz overwhelm the Rockets 4-2

Game 1: Utah 93, Houston 82

Jazz Leaders: 

Carlos Boozer: 20 points and 16 rips (6 offensive)

Deron Williams: 20 points and 10 dimes

Andrew Kirilenko: 21 points, 4 rips, 3 dimes, 2 steals

Rockets Leaders: 

Shane Battier: 22 points

Tracey McGrady: 20 points, 7 dimes, 6 rips, 2 steals

Keys to game: Houston shot 36% from the floor–Utah’s defensive pressure. Rafer Alston injured; thus not being able to control the tempo. McGrady shot 7-21 from the field.

Sphere: Related Content

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 20th, 2008 at 1:18 pm and is filed under Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, Houston Rockets, Jerry Sloan, Orlando Magic, Stockton and Malone, Toronto Raptors, Tracy McGrady, Trent Nelson, Utah Jazz, Yao Ming. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.