Utah Jazz: Tonight's Game Against the Bucks a Must Win

After a disappointing performance against the Bulls, Jazz need win against the Bucks to keep pace in the West...


The Jazz continued their struggling on the road last night losing to the Jazz 108-96. It has to be frustrating for the Jazz to play so well at home, but not have what they need to win on the road. The defense on the road has been laughable at times. They are giving up 107.8 points per game over their last eight games. Tonight's game is critical. The Jazz need to keep pace in the Western Conference. The Bucks come into the game with a 23-41 record, and have lost 4 out of their last 5 games. This game is the definition of a winnable game on the road. With a trip to Boston looming a win tonight is even more important.


What needs to change? Interior defense. The Bulls last night, and other Jazz opponents are getting to the front of the rim far to easy. Boozer has been been a defensive liability on the road. Look at his head-to-head match ups for the last five road games.



March 12th @Chicago L
Boozer 10pts 9rebs
Gooden 24pts 10rebs


March 7th @Phoenix W
Boozer 23pts 3rebs
Stoudemire 37pts 8rebs


March 1st @Memphis W
Boozer 18pts 9rebs
Warrick 17pts 13rebs


February 29th @ New Orleans L
Boozer 10pts 9 rebs
West 25pts 13 rebs


February 26th @ Minnesota L
Boozer 34pts 8 rebs
Gomes 20pts 11 rebs


Boozer is being out performed on the road. Even in the game against the Timber Wolves that he scored 34 points he allowed Ryan Gomes (Yes, Ryan Gomes) to get a 20pt-11reb double-double. If Boozer wants to take the roll as an elite power forward in the NBA, he needs to play more consistent defense on the road. He isn't going after rebounds on the road with the same intensity. Last night he let a few rebounds hit the floor that were within his reach. He seemed to be looking for someone else to step up on defense, instead of looking for himself to do so. Doing it at home is good, but doing it on the road is what makes for a player great.