4th Quarter Team

As Paul Milsap says, it's all about when you are streaking. I've noticed a pattern in the last couple of games in which the Jazz have let the other team build a large lead in the 4th quarter and then fought back. This happened in Portland, in LA, and in Phoenix last night. Two of those were wins, and what it comes down to is how D-Hulk performs. He essentially doubled his point total last night in the last period (13 of 27 points) and emphatically put away the Phoenix Bums ;) with a ridiculous assist to Okur.

This is an interesting dynamic for both Utah and for Williams. He seems to me to be more comfortable racking up assists and making plays for teammates instead of playing the role of Kobe, LeBron, Carmello, or another superstar that loves pressure and takes games over late. Lately, however, the only difference between wins and losses seems to me to be how much Deron can kill the other team all by himself. Boozer has been remarkably consistent with both points and rebounds lately as have other teammates. Williams, (see previous post) has not, and this has been the difference. Are we going to see one of the best guards in the NBA or is he going to miss two free throws to tie up the game?

One last point. Given that the Jazz are a 4th quarter team, will the be a 4th quarter of the season team as well? I hope that they can finish strong (they are predicted to be a 2nd seed still by Hollinger, but who the hell knows what that means?) Once again in the beautiful words of Paul, it's not so much what you do, but when you do it.