He suggested that by playing well enough, a road team can silence even the loudest crowd in pro basketball.
Adelman believes it happened Nov. 1, when Tracy McGrady scored 47 points and the Rockets spoiled the Jazz's home opener. "They got real quiet there," he said. "Usually, they're not very quiet."
Oh, no. And they will not be quiet Thursday or Saturday, at any point during Games 3 and 4, regardless of what's happening on the court. That's the difference between EnergySolutions Arena and any other NBA playoff venue, including Houston: The fans are involved in every possession, start to finish, as opposed to responding only when things are going well for the home team.
It's loud, it's rowdy, it's fun.
I'm just asking for it to be a little more civil this year.
My only complaint about the generally terrific atmosphere during last spring's eight home playoff games was that too much of the noise and energy was targeted at the other guys - the opponents and the referees - instead of supporting the Jazz.
I'm not suggesting rules for patrons like those published at Augusta National or anything, just a little less hostility, OK? The derogatory chants, the booing of every call that goes against the Jazz and the taunts of visiting players are all part of the game; I understand that. It's just that I would rather have Salt Lake City known for relentlessly backing its own team, rather than attacking the enemies.
Is that being naive? Silly? Out of my jurisdiction?
I don't think so.
While recognizing how much money the fans are paying for playoff tickets and how they should be able to loosen up and express themselves as a result, I worry that EnergySolutions Arena is developing too much of a reputation for downright meanness. Some of it is isolated, but all those chants are not limited to pockets of fans.
Even before this season's harsh treatment of former Jazz guard Derek Fisher, now with the Los Angeles Lakers - sure to resurface during the next series, when I'll have more to say about that - Jazz fans misdirected too much of their efforts last spring. There was the incessant booing of the referees in the Houston series, the allege racial slurs (which Jazz officials say they investigated and could not substantiate) toward Golden State players and the throwing of objects after Game 4 against San Antonio that led Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to halt national TV interviews and hustle his players into the tunnel.
It was ugly that night. It was embarrassing. And the worst part was that after their inspiring playoff run, the Jazz heard only boos - directed at the referees, not at them - as they left their home floor for the last time. They deserved better. Of course, they will receive royal treatment, beginning Thursday. Everything's different now. Unlike last April, when the Jazz came home after losing two games in Houston as the Rockets enjoyed a big free-throw advantage and stirred up Utahns' anger, the Jazz were the beneficiaries of a stunning call that altered the ending of Game 2.
The Jazz have earned their 2-0 advantage, though. The impressive thing about Monday's 90-84 victory was how they played as if they had to win, as much as Houston did, when it was actually optional. Mehmet Okur battled for 16 rebounds, Andrei Kirilenko hustled at both ends of the floor and the Jazz played tough defense in the fourth quarter.
"It seemed like every time we got in trouble, we'd fight back and get a big shot or a big rebound," said coach Jerry Sloan.
"They go after every loose ball, and that's what this game is about," said Houston guard Bobby Jackson.
That's why the Jazz deserve huge support at home, and they'll get it for 48 minutes a night. The Rockets merit some reasonable treatment themselves. They're outmanned in this series, but they've battled for two games, only to lose to a deeper, more poised Jazz team.
What I'm saying is, I do not believe Houston sucks. Please keep that in mind, before chanting.
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* KURT KRAGTHORPE can be reached at kkragthorpe@sltrib.com. To write a letter about this or any sports topic, send an e-mail to sportseditor@sltrib.com.
