Picture a huge stuffed couch, one of the wrap around ones with plenty of room for everyone to sit AND put their feet up. A warm, toasty fire in the fireplace . . . a REAL fire that crackles and pops occasionally and has just a slight ‘outdoorsy smoky smell’ . A large screen TV, lots of snacks (Dad’s Caramel Popcorn, Dad’s famous Nacho Bar, Mom’s Chex Mix . . . can you tell who cooks most at our house?), drinks (Coke with REAL cherry syrup for me, Coke with Lime for Dad, Rootbeer for the kids). I have my furry lounging slippers on. Everyone is there but no-one is being obnoxious (a miracle in and of itself). That is my vision of the word COMFORTABLE.

And that is how the Jazz look to me lately. Not comfortable in a bad way, but in a warm, reassuring way. I can recall that panic feeling when I thought, ‘crap the Jazz just won’t make it to the playoffs this year’. I have to remind myself that this is the same season. The team looks good. Comfortable– but ready to take on whatever awaits them. The players are continually stepping it up, playing TOGETHER, helping each other out, accentuating their strong points and compensating for the weak links.

I’m not saying that the title is in the future. But, I will say that no-one can beat the Jazz when they are on. Now we are not only looking at hitting the playoffs, but being competitive in them. Who would have thought? I give a lot of credit to Sloan for calming the storm and sticking to his plan. There are many who will line up to criticize him but it’s hard to argue with his record AND with his ability to turn things that seemed very dismal around. He sure didn’t panic, even when some of us fans did! Remember when the media had a few ‘discussions’ about how the Jazz were in danger of not hitting a 50% season?

So here’s to a comfortable birth into the playoffs, followed by a frenzy of fantastic basketball! If I was a team facing the Jazz in the playoffs, that would certainly make me very UNcomfortable. Keep your fingers crossed but get comfortable . . . it’s going to be a fabulous two months!