Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns Oct. 28, 2010

Phoenix Suns 110  Utah Jazz 94

With Phoenix coming off of a 106-92 loss to the Portland Trailblazers, and the Utah Jazz falling 110-88 to the Denver Nuggets, it would be logical to expect a high energy, fast paced and nose to the grind type of game from 2 of the Western Conference's most balanced power houses.

The 1st quarter was what basketball fans have come to expect from these 2 teams.  Phoenix continued to successfully run the fast break while Utah's point guard and power forward strategy of Deron Williams and Al Jefferson was on full display.  The score was relatively close even though the Suns kept the lead throughout the 1st quarter, but ran away with it in the 2nd, out scoring Utah 31 to 20 for a 58-44 halftime lead. 

The 3rd quarter had Utah making a comeback closing the gap to single digits, only to have Phoenix convert Utah turnovers into points, regaining a double digit lead.  The game would ultimately end with Phoenix winning 110-94.

Starters Nash, Richardson and Turkoglu combined for 47 points, but the great performances from Phoenix's bench was the real story of the night.  H. Warrick, Steve Nash's back up G. Dragic and Frye combined for 43 points.  Warrick was able to remain a force in the paint and Dragic is really beginning show the influence Steve Nash is having on his game.  I suspect the Suns will be keep Dragic on the roster for years to come as the future starting point guard when Nash retires.

Utah struggled for the most part, or so it seemed, compared to the highlight reel style of play from the Suns, but did have a lot of positives in the loss.  Once struggling Andrei Kirilenko and the reliable Paul Millsap each scored 19 points, with Millsap adding 13 rebounds to his stats sheet.  Al Jefferson will be more than adequate as a replacement to the departed Carlos Boozer, as he is not only powerful but quick with great hands when under the basket.  His 20 points and 9 rebounds were not easy ones, and for people like me that rarely saw Jefferson play with Minnesota last year, it's nice to know he will get the televised recognition he deserves.  Deron Williams had 13 points and 6 assists, but with no other Jazz player scoring more than 7 points, they had little chance of beating what looked like the Phoenix Suns of a few years ago.