Yesterday went as I thought it would: The Jazz kept it close, and let the Warriors wilt under the late-game pressure, while the Jazz were their usual-cool selves down the stretch--what a change from the Karl Malone Era!
This Jazz generation has a mental toughness that's been lacking in the past. This could be a critical factor as the Jazz move on in the playoffs. As one of my friends says, "Most teams are pretty evenly matched; it just comes down to who makes shots at the end of the game." That's not 100 percent true, but it's mostly accurate: in that most playoff teams can beat who they are playing. The differences between two comes in matchups and execution. And no matter who we play, I think this particular Jazz team has shown it has the advantage when it comes to executing. When we've needed a big shot this postseason, we've gotten it. When we've needed a stop, we've gotten it.
As far as matchups, this Jazz team has versatility: It can win a slow-down series against Houston and is about to win a very up-tempo series against Golden State. The Jazz are quick enough and strong enough to play either kind of style.
As for last night, the Jazz scored 115 points slowing the game down. They pounded it inside to Boozer for three quarters and, in the fourth, with Golden State forced to clamp down on Carlos, the Jazz moved the ball to its open shooters, and the Jazz shooters took over and won the game.
Meanwhile, the Warriors were brimming with confidence after their Game 3 win. Baron Davis came into the game too confident, and left it almost-eliminated and definitely humiliated. His cheap shot against good friend Derek Fisher, the NBA's man of the moment, was cheap and classless. What kind of deplorable human being tries to physically harm a man who has been through such a traumatic time? Make no mistake: Deron Williams was the best point guard on the court last night, and Derek Fisher was the second best. And Baron Davis' season is one game from being over.
The Jazz also silenced Jason Richardson, who also took his frustration out by cheap shotting Mehmet Okur. The Warriors complain about Okur going for a late-game dunk in a decided contest, yet Davis' dunk that they raved about for two days came in a similar situation.
Hopefully, we've seen the last of Jason Richardson this series. Make that: this season.
Jazz will win Game 5.
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