Playoffs 2000:Jazz playbook: The Mailman's route

Jazz playbook: The Mailman's route
Coach's Edge

The most compelling matchup of this series comes at the power forward spot. Utah's Karl Malone played superbly in the first round against Seattle, averaging 30 points and 10 boards.

Portland's Rasheed Wallace starred not with big numbers, but by stopping Minnesota's Kevin Garnett. If Wallace can contain Malone, the Blazers should win the series. But if the Mailman continues to roll, the Blazers will struggle.

ANIMATE THIS PLAY DIAGRAM WITH SHOCKWAVE

(A) Karl Malone (32) and John Stockton (12) have played together longer than any other duo in the league, and one knows what the other is going to do it before it's done. Malone steps out and screens for Stockton, setting up their patented pick 'n roll.

(B) Malone (32) rolls to the basket, and if Wallace (30) hedges too much to help on Stockton (12), the Mailman is wide open for the easy deuce.