<P> The team also developed a deep bench; in the 10 games that Boozer and Okur (the two leading scorers) missed, the team went 8--2 . Millsap was a surprise rookie, becoming a competent backup to Boozer . Despite the elevated play of the Jazz, Kirilenko had a significant drop in his statistics and seemed to struggle adapting to a reduced role, which eventually led to a well - publicized breakdown early in the first round of the playoffs . </P> <P> The Jazz faced the Houston Rockets in the first round, a match - up of number 4 and number 5 seeds (Utah was seeded higher due to winning the Northwest Division, but Houston had a 52--30 record opposed to Utah's 51--31, giving them home court advantage in the series). It was a physical, close - fought match - up, with each of the first six games being won by the home team . The Jazz broke this trend in the seventh game, and beat the Rockets 103--99 in Houston . The Jazz went on to face the eighth - seeded Golden State Warriors, who were coming off a historic upset of the number 1 - seeded Dallas Mavericks . However, the Jazz easily handled the Warriors, and won the series 4--1 . The Jazz then faced the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals, but lost to the more experienced Spurs, 4 games to 1 in the series . The Spurs eventually won the NBA championship that season by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals . </P> <P> During the off - season, the Jazz gained a hometown NBA Development League affiliate in the Utah Flash (based in Orem), which they shared with the Boston Celtics . They selected Morris Almond in the first round, although ultimately they made few lineup changes . The most significant move was in letting Derek Fisher go . Fisher had become a fan favorite due to his strong play, and also a sympathetic one due to his daughter's well - publicized battle with a rare form of eye cancer . Fisher moved to Los Angeles during the off - season to be closer to better care for his daughter, and later signed with the Los Angeles Lakers . Controversy arose after Kirilenko led his Russian national team to a win in EuroBasket 2007 (the European championship), a tournament in which he was named MVP . After that, Kirilenko posted on a blog that he wished to be traded from the Jazz and would be willing to walk away from his contract . He later reaffirmed this in interviews . However, no trade was made and he remained with the team . </P> <P> During the 2007--08 season, after a trade that sent Gordan Giricek to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Kyle Korver, the Jazz had a record - tying 19 - game home winning streak and improved on the road after a rough December . Despite the off - season controversy and trade talk, Kirilenko elevated his play, improving all stats from the previous season, and seemed content with his new role as a defender and a facilitator opposed to a scorer . Boozer again was an All - Star selection, while Williams continued to elevate his play . The Jazz finished the regular season fifth - best in the Western Conference with a 54--28 record . The Jazz sold out 46 of 47 home games (including playoffs) during the year, and possessed a 37--4 home regular season record; that was, however, offset by a sub-par road win - loss record . </P>

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