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Jazz-Blazers Game 2 Preview Blazers present matchup problems for Jazz
Posted: Tuesday May 09, 2000 04:59 PM
Here we go again with these two. Portland took the Jazz out 4-2 a season ago, and showed indications of why that might be the story again with a Game 1 domination of the 4th quarter, outscoring the Jazz 29-14. If you had told me the Blazers would shoot just 38 percent in the opener and win by 19, I'd have told you to check your medication, but that's what happened. By the way, Utah shot a blistering 37 percent. The Blazers present problems for Utah because they match up better than most in the low post, making Karl Malone work for what he gets. Karl wasn't even safe when he was out of the game, taking a shot to the knee from Armon Gilliam; enough of a shot for the Mailman to skip Monday's practice, but he'll be back tonight. Jerry Sloan challenged his players after Game 1, refusing to allow a first round five-game series with the Sonics to become an excuse. That's the Utah way, and I expect they'll come out full steam tonight. But Portland just appears to have the matchup edge in this series. Jeff Hornacek will have trouble checking Steve Smith, or Scottie Pippen. Arvydas Sabonis presents a whole other set of problems in the middle with his ability to hit jumpers, rebound, and dish. He had 13 points, 14 boards and 4 assists in the opener, and six Blazers scored in double figures. When both teams are at their best, the Blazers are better.
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