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Yes, the mood was a bit somber on Wednesday night in the Utah Jazz locker room following a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Yes, many players and coaches felt execution and a few defensive stops could've yielded a different and more positive outcome.
At the same time, players were encouraged as the Jazz head into a week hiatus. Although Utah's season-long seven-game win streak was snapped at the hands of Anthony Davis and company, the Jazz finished the official first half of the season by winning eight of their last 10 games.
Two weeks ago, a listless home loss to the Detroit Pistons put the Jazz at 19-25 on the season. At that point, they were 10th in the Western Conference, and at a veritable low point of their season. With the strong finish, they are 26-26, back at the .500 mark and now up to eighth place in the west.
In other words. They are in a playoff chase for the first time since Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson were still around.
"We've got a lot of confidence going into the break," Jazz forward Gordon Hayward said. "We've been playing good basketball, so the key is to figure out how to keep it going."
What have been some of the changes for the Jazz? Health, or relative health, is one thing. Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert are back and getting used to each other. Favors scored 29 against New Orleans on Wednesday and looked every bit like the guy who looked like he was having a breakout season, before back spasms cost him over a month.
Rodney Hood's ascension is another big reason. He's playing the best basketball of his young career, and has made himself a scoring threat every night. His presence has allowed Hayward more space, and the two have thrived off each other.
Still, the Jazz aren't completely healthy, and haven't been since November. Point guard Trey Burke didn't make it on the latest road trip, a casualty of the flu. Shooting guard Alec Burks has been out since December, after surgery on his ankle. There's still no timetable on his return, but it's not all that far away.
Getting as healthy as possible seems essential to the Jazz for their playoff run. With roughly 30 games remaining, the Jazz, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets look like three teams battling for two postseason spots. The Dallas Mavericks, currently sixth in the west, are catchable as well.
"We feel good," Favors said. "We've had a lot of good games and we've been playing well. Guys have stepped up when me and Rudy were injured. So we feel good about where we're at, and we're excited about getting back and keeping it going."
Break plans
The Jazz scattered after Wednesday night's game against New Orleans. Some went straight home. Hayward said he and his family are going to San Diego for the weekend. Favors plans on spending the All-Star break in Salt Lake City, while the Jazz have three guys playing in the Rising Star game in Toronto.
"I'm just going to relax, and enjoy a few days without basketball." Hayward said.
A decision
The Jazz front office will have to decide the fate of point guard Erick Green, whose second 10-day contract will expire over the All-Star break. Green has played well this week, gaining extra minutes in the absence of Burke. If the Jazz want to keep him on the roster, they must sign him for the remainder of the season.
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