The Jazz had a miserable January, losing more games than they won. Much of this was due to injuries to key positions, but they also played a lot of games on the road — and as we have all figured out, the Jazz have been less than stellar on the road.
As we enter February, we hear reports that the Jazz are on the mend and that we might begin to see some of the players after the All-Star break. We are mildly annoyed with the fact that Deron Williams won’t be playing in the All-Star Game, but we console ourselves with the fact that he will be getting much needed rest and that the All-Star Game really doesn’t matter anyway.
A favorable home schedule certainly helped the Jazz to the 10-1 record in February, but we can’t overlook the fact that the Jazz are starting to get healthy again.
Boozer has even retaken the floor again.
It’s amazing how good the Jazz are if they can play their regular rotation. They are deep, they are young, they are athletic, and they can really compete with anyone, at least in their own building.
And it wasn’t like the Jazz played a cream-puff schedule either.
The Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, New Orleans Hornets, and the Atlanta Hawks all fell prey to the Utah Jazz in February.
And it was just announced that Jerry Sloan took home Coach of the Month honors for that month.
Not sure that he was really any more deserving that month than any other month, and I’m positive that he really doesn’t care, but good for Jerry.
Hopefully they can keep it up for March, but with 8 of their 14 games on the road including a stretch of five games @Toronto, @Indiana, @Atlanta, @Miami, and @Orlando (including Miami and Orlando on consecutive nights), don’t look for the Jazz to equal that feat. With the recent road woes, a great March with be 11 or 12 wins.