Game 63: Utah Jazz (45-17) @ Phoenix Suns (44-18)

Crunch 99 · Post #1 » by **Crunch 99** » Thu Apr 29, 2021 1:50 pm

This game is Friday at 8PM MT in Phoenix.

First place is on the line. There is probably no chance that Mitchell plays, but hopefully Conley plays. I haven't seen an update concerning the seriousness of his hamstring problem yet.

Go Jazz!

Crunch 99 · Post #2 » by **Crunch 99** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 12:08 pm

Read on Twitter

Crunch 99 · Post #3 » by **Crunch 99** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 12:30 pm

Today's expected NBA lineups from Rotowire (all teams):
https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/nba-lineups.php

TNJazz · Post #4 » by **TNJazz** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 1:12 pm

All 3 MN games are looming large right now, esp the last 2. This could spell the end of the number 1 seed.

Silver lining, Jazz fans then should start pulling for the miracle Nugs to overtake the Clippers. Would pit the 2 LA teams in the 4-5 slot Jazz slide to #2 to face the #7 seed then probably the Nugs in round 2. How fortuitous would that be to not have to face either LA team? Although I'm still confident the Jazz would win a 7 game series. Too many possible scenarios remain. Tonights game is huge for the mental aspect of the Jazz, not necessarily just for PO seeding. Already swept by Wizards, not an issue, the T-pups, big bark and adequate bite against the Jazz, but not a worry, but to be swept by the Suns, that could be a mental issue should they face each other in the post season.

Post #5 » by **FJS** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 2:32 pm

I have lost the faith in this team. They look so vulnerable since all-star. Maybe they are out of gas.
I don't expect big things tonight and in the rest of the season.

ducler · Post #6 » by **ducler** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 6:20 pm

Read on Twitter

JazzyPhinz · Post #7 » by **JazzyPhinz** » Sat May 1, 2021 3:49 am

Why are we tanking

Catchall · Post #8 » by **Catchall** » Sat May 1, 2021 4:26 am

Jazz were treating this game as a practice. Rudy was going about half speed for most of the game and finished with 24 minutes. All our other key players played under 30 mins.

Footnote: The Lakers are now out of the Jazz's playoff bracket, at least for the moment.

Crunch 99 · Post #9 » by **Crunch 99** » Sat May 1, 2021 5:17 am

The Lakers, playing with LBJ and AD in the lineup, just lost to the same Kings lineup that we blew out by 49 points Wednesday. Stuff happens.

The Lakers are only a 1/2 game ahead of Dallas and 1 game ahead of Portland. They could still drop to the play-in group. The Jazz might recover the number one seed. Lots of different brackets and seedings are still possibilities.

Post #10 » by **Inigo Montoya** » Sat May 1, 2021 7:34 am

Granted, Mitchell is out with an injury, but the last stretch of games do not inspire confidence.

TNJazz · Post #11 » by **TNJazz** » Sat May 1, 2021 1:48 pm

Q is working his behind the scenes magic concocting a way to finish with a seed positioning that will benefit the team. They looked disinterested in this game, like it is part of the big picture for them. Phoenix needed this win more than the Jazz did, with 42+ points out due to injury, this was a loss before it started. The Jazz came into this season with the memory of losing the bubble series to Denver as motivation. The Suns did as well as the only team to go undefeated in the bubble yet still not participate in the playoffs. Add CP3, this team now is using that experience to do what the Jazz have been doing all season, winning, but they have an ingrained sting memory from the Covid as well, so their motivation to win this game, I believe, is a mental need for them, not su much with the Jazz. Now, getting ripped apart, after losing the 2 games to the Timber pups, that is a bit distressing, but still part of the long term plan Q has brewing. It's only 1 loss, we still have the bet record (tied) so think Q is working the games to position the team for the best PO run while at the same time, resting and allowing layers to heal as much as possible, for the second season later this month. Additionally, he is getting a run at the end of bench guys to see how they might fare if called upon. Yeah, it is distressing to lose these last few weeks, but not a time to panic, or lose faith in them.

Crunch 99 · Post #12 » by **Crunch 99** » Sat May 1, 2021 3:03 pm

I am not surprised that this Jazz team playing without Mitchell and Conley is not very competitive. Last night's Jazz starting lineup, except for defensive player Gobert, was comprised of late second rounders and undrafted players, who have been molded in to excellent role players to surround Conley, Mitchell and Gobert. They were playing against high first round picks like Paul and Booker, and Kat, Edwards and Russell in the Wolves' game. This Jazz lineup has no players with the star offensive potential and offensive talent of those players.