What is really the surprise of the Lakers-Jazz Series?
The Lakers were supposed to beat the Jazz. It was expected to me a moderately tough series for the Kobes but they were still highly favored over a team that went to the Western Conference Finals last year. So what is the surprise here? No, its not the fact that the Jazz were able to win two games at home, but the fact that the Jazz haven't swept the series. Here is why:
-The Lakers swept through Denver in a relatively easy first round matchup, and had 5 full days of rest between game 4 in Denver and game 1 of the following series in LA. Utah wrapped up a hard fought 6 game series with Houston, with game 6 being a late start in Utah Friday night. They had minimal time to travel and get ready for the next game, a 12:30 local start Sunday in Los Angeles.
-Because of that, the Jazz were rusty and couldn't hit their shots, but in the stat book it was one sided in many categories that traditionally effect the outcome of the game.
-Rebounds: In game one, Utah won the rebound battle 58-41, while the Lakers registered only 8 offensive rebounds. In game 2, it was 41-37 Utah, with LA having only 4 offensive rebounds! How does a team accumulate 12 offensive boards over the course of 2 games and still win? Shooting percentage.
-Shots. The Jazz outshot the Lakers in game one 95-73, and then in game 2 101-68. With such a drastic differential in shots taken, you would expect Utah to win. Because they were so tired, the Jazz hit 38% in game 1 and increased it to 45% in game 2, while the well rested Lakers hit 45% and 57%.
-Once the Jazz were able to get rested, they finally were able to put wins together. The rebound battle was closer (35-32 in g3; 41-41 in g4), and the Lakers ended up taking more shots in game 4. The field goal percentage swung in favor of Utah (78-66 in g3; 53-47 in g4), and the Jazz were able to win both games. The most glaring stat in game 4 was assists. The Jazz recorded 32, while the Lakers had just 20. The Jazz are clearly playing like the more cohesive team now, and with Utah gaining some steam, expect them to begin their run like they did last year.
The Jazz should have swept this series....now, they will win it in 6.
