Jazz @ Bucks: Jump-Start My Heart

The Jazz sneaked away from Milwaukee with a win tonight, but it wasn't a game for the faint of heart. If you have a history of heart problems, consult your doctor before reading this post. It's too bad that a game against the Bucks had to be so emotionally draining, but a win is a win.

Utah started the game on a tear, had a 16-point first quarter lead, and ended up scoring 40 points in the period! The lead quickly slipped away; Milwaukee came back with a vengeance and cut the deficit to one heading into the half. The third quarter was back and forth, and the Bucks pulled away in the fourth. Jazz fans everywhere started to get queasy as they realized the Jazz were letting another road game slip away.

But the basketball gods had other plans tonight! Down 11 late in the game, Utah used spectacular free throw shooting and a 12-2 run to come roaring back into the game. Mehmet Okur pulled down two offensive rebounds on the same possession and fed Carlos Boozer down low for a huge layup to give the Jazz the lead. Andrei Kirilenko poked the ball away from Milwaukee and hit a streaking Ronnie Brewer, who was fouled and hit one of two from the free throw line. Now down by two, the Bucks' Charlie Villanueva drove to the hoop, only to get the ball swatted away by Boozer, and the game was in the ol' refrigerator.

Game ball: Deron Williams. He had yet another double-double with 26 points and 13 assists. But this game was a balanced effort from the whole starting line-up (all five ended in double figures; Boozer, Okur, and Williams each recorded double-doubles). Great game!

It was also nice to pick up a big road win heading into the Bean-Town Showdown with the Boston Celtics on Friday. Let's hope the real Big Three show Boston's big three a good time!