I don’t really believe in curses, but the last ten years have made me reconsider to what extent I don’t believe in them. I was 18 the last time Utah won in San Antonio, and at times, it has felt like I might never see them do it again. But the way the Jazz have played the Spurs this year, I’m actually looking forward to their next game in San Antonio on January 20.

The team is really starting to come around despite injuries, family issues, and the Carlos Boozer situation. In fact, I’m not so sure there is a Carlos Boozer situation anymore, despite what a lot of fans might think. If you still think Boozer is a detriment to the team, you haven’t watched the Jazz over the last two weeks or so. Booz is lighting ‘em up, and just like I said last summer, he very well could have the best season of his career this year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not ignoring all of the stuff that he has done in the past, and I’m still not sure he’ll make it to the end of the year as a member of the Jazz, but you can’t ignore what he is doing for this team. The Jazz are winning because he is giving them a reliable second option, and despite AK’s fairly consistent play this year, no one else on the team is giving them that. His defense is better (not A+ but definitely improved), his rebounding is as good as it’s ever been, his shot has been falling, and he is showing leadership on the floor. Yeah I said it-leadership. More than anyone besides Williams. Egg my car if you want, but it doesn’t change the truth.

Most of all, the most important thing for me is Boozer is having fun. The Jazz haven’t had much fun in about a year and a half, so it is great to see. Fun is good. Fun is contagious. Fun wins basketball games. I have been as critical of CBooz as anybody, but I will give credit where credit is due, and Carlos Boozer is making the Jazz competitive again, along with the surprise play of Wes Mathews and EMay.

I don’t care if the Jazz only win 45 games this year, if they keep playing the way they are, it’s gonna be a fun season. They look loose on the road, and their offense is clicking like it did two years ago. It also seems like they have finally found some heart out on the floor. I really just hope they can keep it up. Kyle and CJ should be back in the next couple of weeks, and I am hoping chemistry-wise they can keep it going.

Effort grade: A-. It would have been a solid A, but they let San Antonio out-hustle them back into the game a few too many times.

Players of the game: DWill (always), CBooz, and Mansap. See, Carlos and Paul can co-exist. Imagine that.

Next up: Detroit on Saturday. The Pistons are always well disciplined, but have a slightly different roster this year. The Jazz have owned Detroit over the last half decade, but if they don’t come ready to play, Detroit is more than capable of stealing a win in Utah. Yo win one game, good for you. Two games in a row, and it’s an added bonus. Three games and it’s a streak baby!! Let’s go streaking for the first time this year!

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