Mars wrote:
MajorCougar wrote: Mars wrote: Last year was a major fluke for the Jazz, just like how they began this season, and it's about time the Utah fanbase realizes that they'll always be second-rate.
1) That's interesting, because the JAZZ have pretty decent numbers in Opponents Pts Allowed Per Game, Steals Per Game, etc. Media/fans comment on the physicalness of the JAZZ in relation to their defense - you have to EARN your points - as opposed to allowing the a guy to waltz in the lane for a layup (like Denver and Golden State do).
2) The Jazz are 5th in the league in scoring, 2nd in FG%, and 2nd in Assists per game. What's wrong with that offense?
3) Here you've crossed the line, Mars. To say that we Jazz fans are second-rate is just flat out name-calling. Real mature. You do realize that there are probably more Jazz fans on this board, than for any other professional sport. The Jazz are one of the FEW teams that make it consistently into the playoffs year after year. Jazz fans are loyal and avid about their only professional sport in the market. I'm not sure why you have a vendetta against either; I'd suggest you take your anti-Jazz stance somewhere else...
1- The Jazz finished 13th this season in points allowed per game, behind Detroit, Boston, San Antonio, New Orleans, Cleveland, and Orlando. The Jazz finished in the bottom have of the league in field goal percentage allowed (17th of 30), worse than all 7 remaining Playoff teams. They also have the worst 3-point defense of the remaining 8. And they were 22nd in the NBA for creating turnovers, and 22nd for blocked shots.
2- The Lakers offense averages 2.4 more points per game than Utah's. Plus Utah's offense has been much worse in the post-season than it was in the regular season. The Jazz are playing scared.
3- Don't be stupid. I said the Jazz were second-rate, and that their fanbase can't accept that (you're a prime example). Don't go making up insults that aren't there, even if "the majority of the board" roots for your NBA team. The Jazz are consistently a mediocre team like you said; Thanks for proving my point. If you don't like the truth, take it to CougarBoard.
Sage wrote: One of the things I have enjoyed about this board is that many opinions are based on fact and stats. They use evidence to back up their theories. Yes emotions definitely play a role, but only as passion, not as arrogance. Somehow Mars you missed on this one. I like good comparisons... good rivalries. But come on man. do we need this? Good opposing opinions are welcome. Based on what is actually happening on the court.
I gave you the facts and the stats, and yet all you gave back is this tearful thin-skinned tantrum. Just because your team is losing doesn't mean you should pull this act. Look in the mirror and you'll see who your finger is really pointing at.
1) Just because the Jazz finished in the middle of the league in points allowed and FG% allowed, doesn't mean they aren't good. Remember, they were also one of the BEST teams in point DIFFERENTIAL. Keep in mind that the Jazz are also the 5th YOUNGEST team in the league. That means they have a huge upside. I didn't say they were the greatest defensive team - but they are decent to be one of the top 8 teams in the league right now.
1a) 3-point FG defense has historically been a problem for the Jazz. Their philosophy is if you are going to make a 3, fine. They would rather defend the paint than give up a lower percentage shot. More times than not, a team that lives by the 3 will DIE by the 3.
1b) While not being great at creating turnovers, the Jazz more than make up for this in Assist/Turnover Ratio: 2nd in the league. As for Blocks/Game, you are WAY off on this. The Jazz are 4th in the league @ 8.7/game.
Geesh, Mars, you sound like a Ute fan that bags on BYU's defense when they give up a lot of yards or are low on Tackles for loss, or something like that. The fact is, the Jazz (as young as they are) still were only THREE games off from being the Western Conference leader. (Those 2 Minnesota losses, the Knick & Heat losses really hurt).
2) Oh, the mighty Lakers and their 2.4 points more per game. Whoopee. The Jazz are still FIFTH in the league in scoring, 2nd in FG%, 2nd in Assists/Game, and 2nd in Assist/TO ratio. Pretty decent numbers, in anybody's book.
2a) If the Jazz were "playing scared" they would have wilted and lost game 4. Looks they played well enough to win and turn the this into a 3-game series. They're playing tough right now; not scared.
3) I'm not being stupid; your poor writing lead us to believe that you called the fans "2nd-rate". Look at where you placed "They" in your original quote and you'll see if follows the pronoun "fans". That's where you miscommunicated. As for the Jazz being so-called "2nd-rate", that's a head-scrather. They're still playing in the playoffs, as opposed to 20+ other teams who have gone fishing.
3a) I never said the Jazz were a mediocre team; don't make up stuff, either.
3b) So far, I'm seeing a decent team play and holding their own - that's the truth.
4) Mars, you spun facts just to make the Jazz look poor (and your Lakers look all wonderful - "Oh, my, I think I'm going to faint..." ). The FACT is, the Jazz are still playing, and still playing tough. Regardless of the outcome of this series, I'm still proud of how well the Jazz have played this year AND in the playoffs. You don't need to come on this board to spout your anti-Jazz venom, just because you don't like them. If you want to do that, take THAT to Cougarboard.
