<div align="center"> <font color="Green">Seattle SuperSonics (29-11) </font> @ <font color="Navy">Utah Jazz (14-28) </font> </div> When: Wednesday 26th January, 9:00 PM (EST) Where: Delta Center Local TV: FSN / FSN-SEA National TV: NBALP <div align="center">Likely Starters <div align="center"><font color="Green">Sonics</font></div> <div align="center"> <font size="1">Luke Ridnour, Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Reggie Evans, Jerome James</font></div> <font color="Navy">Jazz</font> <font size="1">Raul Lopez, Gordan Giricek, Matt Harpring, Carlos Boozer, Curtis Borcahrdt</font></div> Injured List <font color="Green">Sonics:</font> Damien Wilkins, Robert Swift, Mateen Cleaves <font color="Navy">Jazz:</font> Kirk Snyder, Jarron Collins Key Matchup Rashard Lewis vs. Matt Harpring Rashard was simply on fire in the last, and very recent, matchup between these two teams which saw him score 36 points. Harpring will have to pick up his defense, as well as Andrei Kirilenko in the limited minutes he will get(I think that's the first time I ever said AK will have to pick up his D ). The Jazz defenders must get out on Shard when he is beyond the arc, and not give up uncontested jump shots and layups. Make him really earn his points. Prediction I can't see the struggling Jazz beat the Sonics, who are playing great Basketball right now. The Jazz would have to play great defense, something which they haven't done in a long time. Sonics by 10
109-100 Final. Jazz win! Vintage defensive performance by AK! Raja rang the bell tonight baby... This win took me by suprise to say the least.
YES! Raul played like he wants that starting PG position! 20 pts, 11 assists, 3 steals, 5 rebounds. Raja was on fire. He was the man to give the ball to when the Jazz needed some points. He got Allen real frustrated. And finally, Kirilenko. 2 back-to-back blocks in the 4th quarter to start fast breaks when the Jazz needed them. And also a few drives on the offensive end for a layup. Once again all the Jazz played real nice. If the Jazz could only be consistent, they could take out anyone in the league. They have showed that by beating Spurs, Suns, and Sonics.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Marbire:</div><div class="quote_post">YES! Raul played like he wants that starting PG position! 20 pts, 11 assists, 3 steals, 5 rebounds.</div> Of course, how could I forget about Raul! That's the best game he's played all year and actually...that's the best all-around game I've ever seen him play! Keep up the good play Raul!
I've said it once before Raul Lopez, when healthy, is our best point guard. He is probably one of the top 5 best pure point guards in the league. His game is very Stockton like. Other than Raul playing good, it seemed like a team effort. But I don't really care who is starting at the point, just as long as we get the win. Could McLeod's injury be a blessing?
Great game from the Jazz, they got it together offensively and sorted out their defense. They didn't let Seattle start reigning 3's, and executed on offense, with 26 assists as a team. Seattle had 13. Kirilenko showed no signs of injury, 5 blocks in 20 minutes. He also kept Rashard Lewis under control, who scored 15 (36 in the last meeting). Raul Lopez played great, and if he can stay out of foul trouble, could put up a similar performance vs. Minnesota.
