Yes, it is real

We are fast-approaching the all-star break, and we have already passed the half-way point of the season. The Jazz are currently in 4th place in the west (were I not so modest, I would point out that this is precisely the prediction of this blog for this team) and they are only a 1/2 game back from the Mavericks. They have won tiebreakers against the Blazers, the Spurs, and the Mavericks so that, if there is a tie, the Jazz will have home court advantage, a cherished prized that is arguably more important in Utah than anywhere else in the league. They have been playing truly amazing basketball as of late, winning in the presence and absence of Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams. Clearly, at least for the past month or so, this team has found itself and has the urge to win.

After a little analysis, my optimism soars higher. If the Jazz can beat the Nuggets on Saturday (keep in mind that the Nuggets are playing their contested rivals the Lakers tonight, in LA, which means that they will probably be both physically and emotionally and mentally tired for the Utah game), then the Jazz creep nearer to a coveted second seed in the West. Also, the Lakers are not as dominant as they were last year. The West does not appear to be Kobe and then everyone else. When examining the remaining schedule for this year, it becomes apparent that this is no longer a fictional dream. The Jazz have five games remaining against teams with a better record (2 Lakers games, 1 Nuggests game, 1 Hawks game, and 1 Celtics game), four of which are at home. They then have 12 games against teams that are of a rougly similar, albeit worse record (against the Rockets, Hornets, Thunder, Suns, and Blazers). Let's assume that the Jazz lose all 5 of the hard games (which they won't) and let's assume that they lose half of the 12 somewhat easier games (again, which they probably won't). That puts the Jazz at a record of 53-29, a formidable record, probably yielding a 2nd seed. Also according to Hollinger, the Jazz will end up in 2nd place out West. I used to think this was silly, more representative of their recent play than thier true talent. Now, I don't. Kevin O'Connor, Jerry Sloan, don't trade away Boozer, don't mess with this team, this is real.