Monday, May 7, 2007

[4]Utah Jazz	[8]Golden St. Warriors
51-31, first in Northwest Division Defeated Houston, 4-3, in first round	42-40, third in Pacific Division Defeated Dallas, 4-2, in first round

WHY THE JAZZ CAN WIN: Utah toppled the heavily favored Houston Rockets with a steady dose of the Deron Williams-Carlos Boozer pick-and-roll. Coach Jerry Sloan has his team resembling its prime midseason form. Despite his pouting against Houston, Andrei Kirilenko finally made an appearance when it mattered for the Jazz. Utah has home-court advantage and has yet to lose at Energy Solutions Arena this postseason.

WHY THE WARRIORS CAN WIN: Golden State is beaming with confidence after manhandling the top-seeded, 67-win Dallas Mavericks. Why stop there? Baron Davis has been the best individual performer in the postseason with both his scoring and playmaking. Coach Don Nelson has Stephen Jackson playing with more poise and composure than in at any point in his career and Jason Richardson has overcome the jitters of his first playoff appearance.

DIFFERENCE MAKER: Boozer, Jazz. Small ball was able to work against the perimeter-oriented Mavericks, but the Warriors don't have anyone who can contend with Boozer in the low block.

BOTTOM LINE: Jazz in six.