The Utah Jazz | as seen by Basketball John

Remind me to never fly Delta again.  Okur’s luggage that contained his shot finally arrived in SLC Monday night before the game.  Okur really hasn’t been shooting well since that fateful four-game (I’ve previously said six games, that’s what it felt like though, right?) slide last March when they lost at Miami, Orlando, Philly, and Cleveland.  Next time Memo, don’t check that one in.  Carry it on your lap if needed.

Memo was 10-14 from the field, including 4-5 from behind the arc.  Shaq couldn’t get his but out there fast enough and Okur was draining them all night.  A little penetration from Williams was all that was needed to draw O’neil away and Okur was left alone to gather his thoughts, contemplate the meaning of life, find the seams on the ball, and fire away.

The resurgence of AK has been great.  But for the Jazz to go far, Memo has got to be Memo.

After getting great play from the bench on Monday against the Lakers with Okur and Boozer out, the starters carried the load with this one.  All five scored double figures.  AK came close to a triple-double again with 10 points, 7 boards, and 9 assists.  Williams and Boozer were playing the matching game with 24 & 15 each.  And Brewer, despite going only 5-14, got 7 points at the line and finished with 17.

Shaq only played 22 minutes because of foul trouble.  He was a Shaq-like 2-6 from the free throw line (unofficially 2-7 as he got a retry when Boozer stepped into the lane).  The other member of the Heat, especially Wade, followed suit as they only shot barely 51% from the line.  If they made another five of those, this game could have gone their way as it was close until about five minutes to go.

The Jazz finally beat the Heat.  And they finally instilled some confidence that they can not only get up for big games, but also take care of business against teams that they should beat.  That’s one of the knocks on the Jazz and Celtics, that they’ve only played so-many teams above .500.  Well, as a playoff contender, isn’t that what you’re suppose to do?  The schedule isn’t their fault.  And with exception of the Indy game, they’ve been in every game.

The Jazz have what it takes to win it all now.  I don’t think you get rid of any of the nucleus, including AK & Okur.  The only way we need to make a trade is if we get bowled over in an offer or if we can give up a couple role players for a defensive big man.  But should we not get either, we’re in good shape.