Jazz Reach Semis

Boozer - Williams Remind of Malone - Stockton Duo

May 16, 2007 Phil Partington

The Utah Jazz knock off the Golden State Warriors, 4-1.

The Utah Jazz silenced the Golden State Warrior bandwagoner after defeating the team in five games. Golden State had done the unthinkable by upsetting the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the first eight seed to defeat a one seed since the inception of the best-of-seven games first round playoff format.

Carlos Boozer continues to be a star whom few talk about. He was too quick for Houston's Yao Ming to handle and too strong for Golden State's perimeter players to guard. He's averaged 24.4 points per game and 12.3 rebounds per game in 12 playoff games this year and reminds some of the famed Karl Malone. Of course, Malone might not have been the same player without teammate John Stockton. The former Jazz duo was so famous that each player had cross streets named after them near the arena. Not long into those players' retirements, Jazz fans may be witnessing their second coming in Boozer and point guard Deron Williams. In his second season, Williams finished second in the league in assists per game (9.3) with 16.2 points per game to go with it. He's also averaged 16.5 points and 8.9 assists per game in the playoffs to remain consistent with his season average.

Another major factor in Utah's playoff run so far has been the emergence of forward Andrei Kirilenko. Known for his length, athleticism and ability to fill a stat sheet, Kirilenko had an extremely disappointing regular season. After averaging 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 3.2 blocks in 2005-2006, Kirilenko saw his numbers drop to 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.1 blocks per game in 2006-2007. Against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, he averaged just 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Yet, he bounced back against the Warriors, looking more like his formal self. His 16.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game were a significant boost to the Boozer-Williams contribution.

The Warriors enter its off season with a lot of promise. Where Jason Richardson was once on the trade block, team management might be more inclined to keep him after his solid play in the playoffs. Baron Davis has shown the ability to lead a team, at least for a little while, and young players, like NBA's most improved Monta Ellis, offer hope to Warriors fans.

The Jazz reach the Western Conference finals for the first time since 1998, after making the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

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