OH NO! 0-2

Well, we have been here before. The Jazz lost both games in L.A. and now trail the Lakers 0-2 in the series. To truly believe the Jazz had a chance in this series, they needed to win at least one of these first two. They didn’t. We can cry, complain, and argue, but none of those change the fact of the matter. 0-2. However, the last time I checked, a team has to win four games to win a seven game series. So, I ask all of us to please keep hope alive.

To use the most overused sports phrase, the Jazz just need to take it one game at a time. Let’s break it down, realizing none of this is a given.

GAME 3: Jazz at home; No free-throw discrepancy; 19,911 (except those there to see David Archuleta sing the National Anthem) frustrated Jazz fans. JAZZ WIN (2-1)

GAME 4: This is the big one. I have seen numerous playoff series where a team down 2-0 will win Game 3, then lose Game 4. Home court does not guarantee a win. Both Game 3 and Game 4 will be hard fought. This is Kobe’s game, which also means it better be Williams’ or Boozer’s game as well. I think the media with hype this game, but most will believe the Lakers will come out victorious. If the Jazz are real contenders, then they will win this game. If not, then obviously the Lakers will win and go home with a 3-1 lead and wrap up the series in L.A. I am keeping hope alive. I believe the Jazz can compete against an overrated Lakers team. JAZZ WIN (2-2).

GAME 5: Back in L.A. If the series is at 2-2, everyone will believe the Lakers will win this game. They can’t lose 3 in a row in this series, right? Here is the dilemma the Jazz have put themselves in. They don’t have home court advantage, which means that have to win one in L.A. They have already used two of those chances. If the Jazz don’t win this game, then they would have to win in Game 7 to be able to win the series. Unfortunately, in my heart I cannot see the Jazz winning this game. This is why losing both Game 1 and Game 2 was such a blow. BUT, we’re not looking at the past here. Still, I say LAKERS WIN (3-2) Lakers.

GAME 6: Salt Lake City. Bryant is going to want to close this series out and would love to do it in Utah. Despite all his rhetoric about it being a team game, he wants to be in the highlights and hear all of the talk about him willing the Lakers to a win in a hostile environment. I actually welcome this. Kobe by himself is not as good as the Lakers as a whole. He’ll get his points, but he’ll need his teammates to win this game. I believe people will pick this to be a close game, with the Lakers winning in the end. I actually see the Jazz winning big. Things will come together. JAZZ WIN (3-3).

GAME 7: Los Angeles. Big time game! You never know what can happen in Game 7, because it is one game. You expect the home team to win, but there is always a chance. My concern is Kobe, national spotlight, MVP – gets away with a lot and makes many trips to the free throw line. If the game is called fairly, then it is up to the Jazz. Multiple guys will have to play great to win this one. It is almost impossible for me to pick against the Lakers in this game with the home court officiating advantage. Say what you want, but most people feel the officiating in the NBA is the worst. Too much favoritism for the Lakers here. EXCEPT! The Jazz play one of the most remarkable games in the franchise history and stun the Lakers. JAZZ WIN! JAZZ WIN!

I’ll see you at the airport on Monday May 19th to welcome the team home

Keep hope alive!