Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!!
I have never loved being more wrong. I went to the game last night and here are some of my thoughts.
First, I personally want to thank the Utah Jazz organization for creating a playoff atmosphere before and throughout the game. There were a ton of fireworks, a new opening video to introduce the team. They hired the Magician for half time show, you know the one where her dress changes color right before your eyes.
Second, “The Gesture” this has probably been going on for a while, but I first saw it about a month ago performed by Kenyon Martin here, at the end of the clip just before commercial break. After Kobe hit his only three of the night to take the lead he dropped “the Gesture” towards the Jazz fans here, about the 49 second mark. In return, after Memo hit the biggest shot of the game he did it here (top play number eight).
My understanding of “the Gesture” is to say I have biggest man parts or if you have seen the movie “Snatch” the biggest minerals. I understand it, but don’t think that there is a need for it.
Third, D-Will’s Cross is getting more and more publicity around the country. The other night he crossed Terry but didn’t hit the shot. Last night he crossed Kobe and you could almost see it coming. There were a bunch of us who stood up just as the switch on the pic was made, Deron crossed a backing-up Kobe and hit the 18 footer the ESA went nuts.
Fourth, This was the best Utah Jazz All-around team game on both sides of the floor of the entire season. I felt that that there was a combination of things that had to happen in order for us to win, Bryce and I talked about them before the game. And as the game started to unfold we realized exactly what we talked about was happening.
Fifth, The respect that Kobe Bryant gave to two players in particular during and after the game last night. On a pic and role play with Gasol, CJ Miles ducked under the pick and drew a charge on Kobe Bryant. Kobe immediately went over and helped him up as to say nice D kid. In Post game interviews Kobe told Reporters when asked about D-Will “He’s better than I thought he was, which is saying a lot,” Bryant said of Williams. “He’s one of the best in the world. Playing with him, you get a chance to see how great he really is.” Thank you Kobe, but I still hate you.
Sixth, Thank you Jazz Fans for driving Direct TV crazy (I called 7 times) they are now in partnership again see here.
Seventh, when you end the Lakers 7 game winning streak just before the all-star break it is a big deal. Here are some people talking about it.
Daily Dime
ESPN RECAP
Video Recap
Eighth, AK should be back for Memphis on Tuesday with Boozer following the next week.
Ninth, Last night the Utah Jazz were the best Basketball team in the World. As I walked out of the ESA I heard Lakers fans yelling “Get a ring”, “Win a Championship”, “Win the Finals”. And for one of the few times this season I actually thought, “O.K. we will and we will go through L.A. to get it.” We just beat you with two of our top players out, we have won 4 out of the last 5, have a week off, and have two all-stars coming back in the next two weeks.
Western Conference, it is now time to look in the rear view mirror.
