Last night the Jazz decided to play their most complete game of the year against one of the best teams in the league. It was exciting to watch and it refueled my hope for this season. I keep reminding myself that the Jazz start well every year, but the start really isn’t indicative of how the rest of the season will go (See the 2003-’04, 2004-‘05 and 2008-’09 Jazz teams for examples of seasons that started strong and faded into mediocrity). So on the other side of the coin, a team can start slow and work its way to the top. Teams do it every year, and luckily we are only five game into the season, not 45, and a game like last nights against the Spurs can be a giant wake-up call for a team to realize their overall potential. Call it a confidence builder.

It’s about friggin’ time the Jazz played hard for a full 48 minutes. Everyone came to play; they controlled the pace of the game (something that is difficult to do against a disciplined team like San Antonio), played the best defense I have seen them play in like eight years (or maybe it just seems that long because last year was so excruciating), and most of all, they showed a ton of heart and effort, two things that have been missing so far this year.

I also want to take my hat off to Carlos Boozer. He was booed by the fans from the get-go, and responded by dominating the Spurs on both ends of the floor. Not only was his jump shot falling, but he was doing everything else out there as well. He was moving his feet, staying in front of his man, swiping at the ball, and switching to help out his teammates. He might not be the most popular guy in Utah right now, but his haters need to give credit where credit is due. With another no show from Booz, I guarantee we lose that game. He showed his finesse and proved why he is one of the best PF’s in the league at running the pick and roll and the pick and pop when he’s on. When he is focused like that, he and Deron can run those two plays to near perfection, and that is something this team has been missing.

Next up, we have the Kings at home on Saturday night. The Jazz need to come out in that game with the same focus and intensity that they had against San Antonio on Thursday. The Kings aren’t a very good team, but that could be bad news for the Jazz because they seem to have a difficult time getting prepared for the cellar-dwellers. A “W” is a “W”, so hopefully they don’t decide to take the night off.

Effort grade against San Antonio: A. I didn’t notice one time the entire game that the Jazz slacked off their intensity on either end of the court.

Players of the game: Carlos and DWill. Deron is playing out of his freakin’ mind this year, and might be a permanent fixture as player of the game, but Carlos had an equally impressive night. Side note to Jazz fans: STOP BOOING HIM! All you’re doing is hurting the team, and its not doing anything to prove a point. If he succeeds the Jazz win and he has trade value, if not, well then we can have a long depressing year again this season-would that make you feel better?

Honorable Mention: Wes Mathews. CJ better watch his back, cuz this kid is looking like the real deal. Not only can he shoot the ball, but (gasp) he also plays better face-up defense than any of our wings. The rook looked like a five year vet last night. Fearless.

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