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Warriors try again to avenge playoff setback vs. Jazz

Nov 3, 2007 - 2:12 PM Golden State (0-2) at Utah (1-1) 9:00 pm EDT

SALT LAKE CITY (Ticker) -- The Golden State Warriors' magical ride in the playoffs last season came to an end at the hands of the Utah Jazz. So far, nothing has changed this season.

The Warriors look to capture a rare road win when they travel to the Jazz on Saturday.

Golden State ended a league-high 12-year playoff drought last season before proceeding to shock top-seeded Dallas in the opening round of the playoffs. However, the run was short-lived when Utah eliminated the Warriors in five games in the Western Conference semifinals.

Hoping to avenge the playoff defeat, Golden State was unable to get on track in Tuesday's season-opening 117-96 home loss against Utah as All-Star forward Carlos Boozer had 32 points and 15 rebounds. Things did not get any better when the Warriors were dealt a 120-114 setback by the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.

On a positive note, guard Kelenna Azubuike scored a career-high 33 points in that latest loss, as the former Kentucky player continues to fill in for the suspended Stephen Jackson.

If Golden State hopes to end Utah's recent hold over it, the Warriors will need to end their struggles at the EnergySolutions Arena, a place where they have not won at since November 25, 2005 - a span of six games.

The Jazz will aim to recover from their own tough loss - a 106-95 home setback to the Houston Rockets on Thursday - in which Utah committed 20 turnovers and made just three of their 14 3-point attempts.

Through two games, Boozer has continued his stellar play from a season ago, averaging 31 points and 15.5 rebounds.