Nervous energy filled Energy Solutions Arena at the start of Game 6 against the Houston Rockets on Friday night. That nervous energy had the crowd engaged in every bounce of the ball in this MUST WIN game for the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz turned a great start into 113 points on the night (Utah had only 69 points in Game 5). T-Mac and Houston have been taken care of, Kobe and the Lake Show await.
MVP of Game 6: Deron Williams
Deron took over this game, plain and simple. He controlled the offense, set the tempo and made the big shots when they needed to be made. Deron finished with 25 points and 9 assists and squashed Houston’s second round playoff hopes with his three point shooting (six of nine).
Key Play: Mutombo Picks Up Two Early Fouls
Boozer showed aggression early and took it at Dikembe and the Rockets defense. Mt. Mutombo fouled Booz with 9:19 left in the first quarter. Then, nine seconds later, he fouled Boozer for a second time.
With Mutombo out of the game, the Jazz were able to control the tempo better and go inside with more ease and regularity.
T-Mac Scores 40
Tracy McGrady nearly shot the Rockets back from a 19 point deficit in the second quarter ending the half with 28 points. However, he seemed to tire once again and the Rockets never really established a secondary scoring threat. This was probably McGrady’s best effort of the series as he had 10 boards and 5 assists to go along with his 40 points on 13 of 26 shooting. Once again T-Mac was not great from the line, 12 of 18.
Home Court Advantage
It was LOUD! As one of the 19,911, I think I only heard 2 of the whistles all night. The fast start and increased Jazz tempo got the crowd into the game early and it was obvious that the Jazz were feeding off of the energy.
Free Throws
Utah was able to knock them down (84%). Houston struggled again missing 11 free throws. It is tough to win at ESA when you miss that many free throws.
Respect for the Rockets
They were without Yao Ming. They were without Rafer Alston for two and a half games. T-Mac was banged up (not that that is anything new). They were down 2-0 after two home games.
The Rockets fought and clawed their way throughout this series. It could have easily been four and out. But the Rockets have great defense that shut the Jazz down for the first 5 games of the series.
Alston, Battier, Scola, Mutombo and Landry really came to play. They are scrappers. Much respect.
(Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
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