Wowsers

Holy smokers. Boy, am I glad that I did not write that post writing off the Jazz season. Since that post, the Jazz have gone 6-1 with only two of these games being within the friendly confines of Energy Solutions Arena (worst name in sports). But it is not just that they have been on a nice little run. It is how they have won these last 5 games.  In each of these games, the Jazz have been down by at least 10 points and then managed to comeback and win.  Take a look:

11/6 - v. LA Clippers - Down 18 in 3rd quarter   - Final : Jazz 109-Clips 107 OT
11/9 - @ Miami Heat - Down 22 late in 2nd quarter   - Final : Jazz 116 - Heat 114 OT
11/10 - @ Orlando    - Down 18 in the 3rd quarter   - Final : Jazz 104 - Magic 94
11/12 - @ Atlanta      - Down 11 in 3rd quarter   - Final : Jazz 90 - Hawks 86
11/13 - @Charlotte    - Down 19 right before half   - Final: Jazz 96 - Bobcats 95

So what do we take from this?  First, it is a nice little run. If not a total surprise to me. All four of the Eastern teams were playoff teams last year so to beat them in their house is a big accomplishment. Miami and Orlando are arguably 2 of the top 3 teams in the East and so to swept the Florida roadtrip is special.

Second, my previously stated opinion that Chris Bosh is no superstar was certainly reinforced by the Jazz victory.  Bosh was absolutely victimized by Paul Milsap.  Millsap's line? Ho-hum really. Only 46 points and 9 boards, including 11 in the final 28 seconds(!) of regulation when the Jazz were down 8. Most of these points? Over Bosh.  It is hilarious that Bosh cultivated this superstar image for himself because he was the best player for a few years in Toronto.  It is like an Olive Garden chef thinking he is Mario Batali.

Third, holy smokers, Paul Millsap can play.  I remember last year when people were skeptical whether it was a mistake to match Portland's contract offer to Millsap. Well it wasn't.  Paul has been killin' it this season.  He must have worked on his shooting this summer because he has been draining 15 footers and giving up his role as rebounder/garbageman to Big Al Jefferson. Also check out this comparison:

              Millsap:               21.9 points,  9.3 boards, 1.10 steals, .612 fg%, 1.40 Turnovers, 7m a year
              Dwight Howard:  21.6 points, 10.6 boards, .89 steals, .595 fg%, 3.11 Turnovers, 17m a year

Lastly, I am sure this post will act as a jinx. The boys get the Thunder on Monday at home and they've got to be gassed.  However, every time someone tries to count them out Deron and Sloan pull something out of their bag of tricks and will this team to victory.  Hopefully the good people of the City get out and support there team on Monday because this team team is starting to look a little special.