Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
They say one game doesn’t make a season. But since I live in the sports opinion world, I have no choice but to make rash judgments on the Utah Jazz after they beat the Dallas Mavericks 113-94 in their Wednesday night opener. So here are 10 foolproof, strong, definitive observations on the Jazz based on just the first game. (Side note — these opinions can change, of course, depending on how the Jazz perform in game two.)
1. I know the people of Utah love fireworks, but shooting them off inside a building doesn’t seem like the best of ideas. Call me old school, but setting off fire combined by the lingering smoke that seems to stay in the building all night can’t be healthy. With that said, I’m all for mascots riding on motorcycles and Jazz dancers dressed in Halloween costumes.
2. Perimeter shooting, depth, athleticism and explosiveness. All the Jazz newfound abilities were displayed in their 18-2 run to close out the third quarter that broke the game open. Perimeter shooting — Mo Williams started the onslaught sinking back-to-back three pointers. Depth — the Jazz starters began the run while several of the reserves finished it. Athleticism — the likes of Marvin Williams, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Randy Foye showed the ability to get up and down the court. Explosiveness — just the overall skills to go on such a run and accomplishing it in so many different ways tells us this isn’t your father’s Utah Jazz anymore.
3. It was a very festive Halloween atmosphere in the EnergySolutions Arena with many fans dressed up for the occasion. By far the most popular costumes were green seats. Jazz management might want to petition the NBA to not open the season on Halloween night again.4. Paul Millsap continues to be all grit and toughness. While he didn’t shoot the ball particularly well in the first half, he gave his typical yeoman’s effort cleaning up the boards, finishing with a double-double — 13 points and 15 rebounds. He is everything the Jazz want this franchise to embody. It’s just too bad he will most likely be the one the Jazz will part with via an in-season trade or lose him in free agency after the season.
5. Hall of Fame Jazz coach Jerry Sloan was in the house. Judging by the struggles the Jazz had in defending the three point line in the first half, it was like he never left. The Jazz definitely still need to shore up their perimeter defense.
 UTA PLAYER STATS
| ||||||||||||||
| MIN | FGM-A | 3PM-A | PTS | |||||||||||
| Mo Williams | 29:52 | 7-16 | 2-4 | 21 | ||||||||||
| Marvin Williams | 29:33 | 7-13 | 2-3 | 21 | ||||||||||
| Randy Foye | 21:55 | 4-9 | 2-4 | 13 | ||||||||||
6. I know it’s just one game, but it appears the Jazz knew what they were doing in the offseason in signing Mo and Marvin Williams along with Randy Foye. They attained those three to better their perimeter shooting. Mission accomplished. The three combined for 55 points, sinking all six of the team’s three pointers.7. It wasn’t a breakout performance from the young players, but they all contributed in their own way. Gordon Hayward delivered 11 points in 24 minutes of action. Derrick Favors had six points, 10 rebounds and two impressive blocks in just 18 minutes. Enes Kanter hustled for six points, seven rebounds, a block, a steal, got three stitches in his chin along with four turnovers and then donned a skull and crossbone custom-made hat in the locker room. Alec Burks, on the other hand, saw the court only in mop-up duty. In the end, these players still need to get more time on the court since they are clearly the team's future.
8. As has been the case for years, Utah Jazz fans continue to boo every referee call against their team whether it’s a foul or not. This just in, Jazz fans — usually they are amongst the leaders in committing fouls, so the referees are not always biased against your team. Well, except for Dick Bavetta, of course.
9. While the Jazz defensive effort was lacking in the first half, that changed in the second. They decided to get active, causing 12 of the Mavericks' 16 turnovers in the second half. That led to several fast-break opportunities. I’m not going to say this team is a defensive juggernaut by any means, but it was positive to see that they actually were willing to put forth the effort.
10. The Jazz are going to go 82-0. Alright, maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves, but one thing is certain — this group will at least be entertaining to watch and follow. Now if they just could cut out those loud dang fireworks and let the players create them on their own, all would be good!
