This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Early in the season, Utah Jazz players and coaches were hesitant to speak about the postseason, instead taking the tactic of keeping the task of a long schedule in front of them.
That time has passed.
For the first time over the course of the year, players and coaches are publicly stating the obvious: Making the playoffs is a big goal for the Jazz, and it would be a tremendous disappointment if that goal weren't achieved.
Take Friday for example. The urgency for small forward Gordon Hayward was evident when asked about the importance of advancing. He even went so far as to label Utah's matchup on Friday night against the Washington Wizards as a must win.
Jazz players know they have come far and are close to the postseason, despite having lost seven of their past eight games. Now, they want to finish the job.
"It's very important," Hayward said. "We've been talking about this the whole year. Now it's time to not talk and make it happen, or else it won't happen. We have a lot of must-win games coming up. We still have to take things game by game. But we have to start winning."
Hayward, in his sixth season, feels the urgency now that he's slowly transitioning from a young player to a veteran in his career. And every player has seen the plight of the New Orleans Pelicans, a young team led by superstar forward Anthony Davis that made the playoffs last season. Thought to be a franchise that could be a postseason fixture, the Pelicans have been hit by more crucial injuries this season than anyone this side of the Jazz.
With that in mind, the Utah players know nothing is promised to them. The Jazz players know the franchise hasn't made the playoffs since the 2012 season, and even Hayward and Derrick Favors had much smaller roles on that team. They want to do it for themselves.
"It's very important for us," Jazz shooting guard Rodney Hood said. "We know we have a small window and we have to put some wins together. We just need a win, for team morale more than anything. We haven't been playing horrible. But we need to win, and maybe we can get this thing rolling. We understand the opportunity that's in front of us."
Getting back
Hood said he spent all of Thursday — an off day for the Jazz — rehabbing his back so that he could get well enough to play on Friday night against the Washington Wizards. After having serious injury issues last season, Hood has been durable this year, missing just three games and establishing himself as a fixture in Quin Snyder's lineup. Hood made his first two shots in the first quarter on Friday night against the Wizards, a good sign for all involved.
"I have to continue to get treatment, and it's still sore," Hood said. "Hopefully it gets better, but right now I just have to play through it."
Is he back?
Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal rejoined the team on its road trip, following straining his pelvis earlier in the week. He didn't play on Friday night, but the hope for Washington is that he's back soon from the injury.
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