They could have claimed the Western Conference's No. 3 playoff seed and home-court advantage with a victory Wednesday, but the Jazz were more than happy to settle for a first-round rematch with Houston after losing to the Spurs.
It was only 12 months ago that the Jazz eliminated the Rockets by winning a road Game 7 in Houston. That victory propelled the Jazz on their run to the Western Conference finals and gives them confidence they can do the same again this season. The Jazz won the season series against Houston two games to one, including a 105-96 victory Monday night at EnergySolutions Arena. They also won Jan. 27 in Houston, the Rockets' last loss before their historic 22-game winning streak.
The Rockets have gone an NBA-best 40-11 since Jan. 1, but will play without Yao Ming, who was lost for the season in February after suffering a stress fracture in his foot. They also will be without point guard Rafer Alston for at least the series' first two games.
As long as Alston is out with a hamstring injury, the Rockets will have to use undersized guards Bobby Jackson and Aaron Brooks against Deron Williams. Tracy McGrady also remains 0-for-6 in first round series for his career.
SPURS 109, JAZZ 80: Judging from Wednesday's game, the Jazz decided they were better served avoiding the defending NBA champion Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, even with home-court advantage in the series.
The Jazz fell behind 16-4 in the first 4-1/2 minutes, gave up 11 lay-ups in the first quarter and allowed the Spurs to shoot an unforgivable 72.2 percent in the first half of their most lopsided loss of the season.
Tony Parker finished with 24 points and 12 assists in 29 minutes while Tim Duncan had 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks to lead the Spurs. San Antonio clinched the No. 3 playoff seed that could've belonged to the Jazz with the victory.
With Houston and Phoenix also winning Wednesday, the Jazz would've drawn the Spurs in the first round with a victory. Instead, they will play the Rockets, albeit without home-court advantage.
