Jazz vs. Raptors: Feelin' the Home Love

Believe it or not, Utah is back at home and lovin' every minute of it. The Jazz kept their home streak alive with a win against the Toronto Raptors tonight; they have won 19 straight home games, tying a franchise record. Granted, they did it against a Raptors team that was missing their top scorer and rebounder in Chris Bosh, but a win is a win.

The starting five for the Jazz may not have realized they were in their own arena in the first quarter tonight; they came out shooting horribly and very lackadaisically. Luckily for Jazz fans, Toronto was just as embarrassing. Both clubs scored only 16 points in the first period, and fans starting crying for ticket refunds. When I say fans, I mean idiots -- for any true Jazz fan knew they would pull it together at home. And they did.

Utah's bench came into the game and took things over. The second quarter belonged to Ronnie Price, who led the Jazz into the half with a nine-point lead. However, it wasn't until the fourth quarter that Utah really exploded the way fans are used to seeing in Salt Lake. Led again by Price (as well as hot shooting from Kyle Korver), The Jazz outscored Toronto 31-14 in the final period and and wrapped up the game with a 96-79 victory.

Game ball goes to Ronnie Price tonight; he hit two straight treys in the first half when Utah was in a serious shooting slump, had some beautiful cuts to the basket, and finished with 13 points and 5 assists in just 13 minutes on the floor. He gave the Jazz a shot of energy just when they needed it, and helped take the Raptors out of contention. It was good to see him get some quality play out there.

Utah played without Mehmet Okur (reported having nausea), and Carlos Boozer left late in the game with a tweaked muscle in his back. The jazz have three days to rest up and prepare for the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. It's a big game with Kobe and Co. coming into town, and hopefully we can get those big guys back in time!