Alright, we keep focusing on the bottom two spots of the Western Conference, but OTR is receiving numerous emails asking us why we are ignoring the top. Therefore, OTR will focus on the Western Conference as a whole. Our reasoning for the lack of focus is that we are huge fans of the Golden State Warriors, but we realize it’s not all about us.

PHOTO CAPTION: Scottie Pippen shows off his amazing wingspan.

Recapping last night:

The Utah Jazz continue to lead the Northwest Division and expanded their lead last night with a 42 point victory over the Washington Wizards last night 129-87. Former 76er Kyle Korver was perfect from the field including three for three from three-point land finishing with 15 points off the bench. Speaking of three-point land, the Jazz set a team record last night with 15. 2005 second round draft pick C.J. Miles hit four and scored a career high 29 points. Other impressive notables: Deron Williams had 12 points and 16 assists. Jarron Collins contributed two points. Utah currently holds the fourth spot in the conference.

Utah expanded their lead in the Northwest division by a full game because Denver lost to Phoenix last night 132-117. It was a story of two halves. Denver outscored Phoenix in the first half 70-51, but the Suns were able to rebound in the second half scoring 81 points to Denver’s 47. Speaking of rebounding, the Suns pulled down 50 boards last night, 17 more than the Suns. Amare Stoudemire led the Suns in that category with 14 all while scoring 41 points. Steve Nash added 36 points and 8 assists. The Denver team led Denver in not playing any defense. They made Stoudemire look like Scottie Pippen. With the loss, Denver dropped to the number nine spot in the Western Conference and 3.5 games back of the Utah Jazz for the division lead. With the win, Phoenix grabbed hold of the fifth spot and share the Pacific Division lead with the Los Angeles Lakers; however, L.A. holds the tiebreaker.

The Dallas Mavericks picked up a huge win against the L.A. Clippers last night 93-86 led by Jason Kidd (27), Josh Howard (25), and Jason Terry (20). No other Maverick was in double digits in scoring, but that doesn’t matter because they played the Clippers who stink worse than a dirty hippie after a night of curry chicken. Dallas was able to hold on to the seventh spot in the West with the victory.

Current Standings:

1 New Orleans 50-22 (-)
2 San Antonio 51-23 (-)
3 LA Lakers 50-24 (1)
4 Utah 49-26 (2.5)
5 Phoenix 50-24 (1)
6 Houston 49-24 (1.5)
7 Dallas 46-28 (5)
8 Golden State 45-28 (5.5)
9 Denver 45-29 (6)