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Show IT .1? Q U j -i Mil iri in Wfi nn f - VI I a winner- Kari "The Mailman" Malone, shown here in vintage "old-school" style, was named the NBA's 1997 MVP Sunday afternoon. Though content with the trophy, Malone downplayed the award and turned his focus to the Utah Jazz' objective of capturing their first NBA crown in franchise history. Malone edged perennial MVP contender Michael Jordan in the total balloting. Jazz From page 10 triple team, because he "can't be stopped and can only hope to be contained." He will score his daily allowance of 25 points, but the Jazz should counteract his ability to devastate defenses by silencing the other four shooters in their offensive arsenal.The shooter the Jazz can't afford to ignore is rookie three-point specialist Matt Maloney. A constant hand in his face is a surefire solution to quenching the youngster's pure shooting talent. He ripped the Sonics for 26 points in a Rockets' victory in their last series, burying as many three-pointers as there are Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavors. The Rockets and Jazz both bring experience into the confrontation. As perennial playoff contenders, the Jazz and former World Champion Rockets know what it takes to win. Solid defense, consistent offense and a will to win are requisites for victory in basketball's playoffs. The Jazz seem to have all these defining facets of a championship team in control, but the Rockets can play like their preceding quality teams and display flashes of brilliance as well. The Rockets lack the deciding ingredient in the recipe for an NBA championship, the fierce will and desire to win. Although fatigue from enduring a seven-game series may have contributed to their sluggishness, on Monday night Houston seemed to simply go through the motions. On the other hand, the Jazz have never advanced to the NBA Finals. There is an electric feel to this season's version of the Utah Jazz. The team meshes well as a unit, and players seem to swallow their pride " and forget their egos. Gone to other teams are the de- ' tractors. Blue Edwards, Jamie Watson, Isaac Austin and David Benoit. The Jazz have pressed forward through the negative vibes brought to the team by these players and brought out players that have the same objective. The Jazz are too deep and power ful for the Rockets. The Jazz will finally get the Rockets' number and a "trip to meet Da' Bulls for the NBA Finals. A rapid glance into the Signpost Sports Guru's crystal ball reveals a Jazz triumph in six games, 4-2. Utah's focus appears to be on the title. With a slight twist on the old adage, "Let the games begin and the rhetoric end." A note of advice for the Jazz: Finally put your money where your mouth is! 15th Annual Crystal Crest Awards r Mm. Saturday, June 7d-199? 1? Peery's Egyptian TLeater ' Master of Ceremonies... Taylor Mason IS FEEL GOOD . . . WASH IT! FULL SERVICE" WASH ' lnside Vacuum InsideOutside Windows Light Dusting of Dash Ash Trays Towel Dry of Outside Redeemable Riverdale Location Only l Expires June 30, 1997 J "THE WORKS" WASH Full Service Triple Coat Wax Tire Treatment Fragrance Rust Inhibitor Undercarriage Redeemable Riverdale Location Only We know you have other things to worry about ... Let Supersonic take care ofyour Car Washing and Detailing needs this Spring! us .WITH ANY "EXPRESS DETAIL . Upholstery . 'Carpets ; "Super Seasonal 'Express Wax Only 20 Minutes Each Service! Redeemable Riverdale Location Only W4.iy;:-rnf; -AMii-ir WtyT' lwjf-"- y.i'A i -r I Expires June 30, 1997 j SERVING NORTHERN UTAH SINCE 1959 |