First off, it's team structure. The '97 Jazz were sculpted in a simple way. Karl Malone and John Stockton were the centerpieces with support guys like Byron Russell and Shandon Anderson their to make sure they didn't screw up. With the '01 Spurs, the centerpieces were all-star Tim Duncan and David Robinson. His support crew were veterans like Derek Anderson and Terry Porter, and Antonio Daniels. Also, in journeyman guard Mark Bryant.

Another similarity I saw was in their united spirit. They seemed like every player on the court was on the same page with each other. The passes were crisp and flawless. The defense seemed to be ordered, ready to take out anybody on the court. It was the same case with the '97 Jazz team as I saw them play. If Malone was double-teamed, they could kick out to Russell on the three point line or Antoine Carr down low for the simple dunk. If Duncan or Robinson were double-teamed, they also could kick it out to Malik Rose near the perimeter or Bryant or Daniels in a sneak attack to the basket.

And finally, in the dominance at home. The '97 Jazz of course enjoyed one of the best home records in NBA history at 56-12. It seemed no one could take out Utah on their court with the type of support they enjoyed there. Now, as of this writing, the Spurs are on pace to get close to that mark as they are currently 13-4 at home. The Spurs have always been a good hotbed of basketball support for many years before and after Tim Duncan came to the Lone Star State.

So, there are my comparisons between the '97 Jazz and the '01-'02 Spurs. You may not believe some of them, but I think you can't doubt that these teams are very similarly run. If only the two of them could play each other in a game. That would truly be a gem! Well, that's my bit from the Silver State. Peace out, and live to the fullest!

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