For The Jazz It's Real: Win Or Go Home! By David Phillips, Jr. - Talkin' Sports Writer Apr 8, 2007 11:20 pm US/Mountain The Jazz are doing their best to be on the wrong track as they enter the Playoffs. The slogan for the Playoffs this year is, "It's Electrifying." That isn't quite the phrase that I would use as the Jazz stumble their way through the end of the season. The Jazz have managed to dwindle their lead over the Rockets to just a half-game after their three horrible losses this week. Last Sunday, the Jazz had a close win over their "new rivals," the Rockets. Fans were pleased and thinking that there was nothing that could stop them from having home court advantage in the first round. Nothing but themselves. The loss to Portland showed that they don't know how to keep up against teams that are not doing well this year. The Jazz have struggled all year against teams with losing records. They just go to sleep and expect that they will win, no matter what. The loss to the Kings can be dealt with, because the Jazz lost their MVP Deron Williams in the second quarter. They have struggled all year when he is out. The Jazz try to cruise when they get big leads, but then they can't seem to turn it back on later. Losing to the Sonics was by far the worst loss of the season. The Jazz were up 22 with just over 12 minutes to go. I could not believe how fast they gave the lead away. It wasn't like they went on a huge run to go up 22. They were up for a while. The Jazz just gave up and were ready to go home. They stopped playing. This is a very bad sign for the Jazz going into the Playoffs. They can't step up their game when they really need to. At the beginning of the year, they were able to convert in close situations but now they just fold. I think a big reason is Carlos Boozer. He disappears in the clutch. He will miss shot after shot in the 4th quarter and when the Jazz need him most. He also lacks on defense, which is where the Jazz are getting burned the most. The Jazz need to have a leader step up and take charge of the team. If they don't start playing consistent and playing defense, then they will lose in the first round. http://kutv.com/junior/local_story_099012744.html --

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