What does it take to win a basketball conference championship.  Sports enthusiasts will debate this for decades more.  As most of you already know, I am something of a sap.  If I had my way, the team with the most heart and perseverence would win.  However, life in the NBA is not quite so simplistic. 

Defense, offense, coaching, player athleticism?  Team unity, depth of the bench, homecourt advantage?  Type of court, climate, secret deals (NO, not in the NBA — hint of sarcasm)? Money, number of dollars OVER the salary cap, recruiting, playoff experience?  Luck, rotation of the planets, alignment of the stars, lack of sin????  The team who has mastered the greatest obstacles,  momentum going in to the playoffs, perseverence, attitude, destiny? Mental agility, stamina, overall physical and emotional health?  Referees, spouses, fans, bloggers, season ticket holders, “eye-candy rating” of the players?  Team diet, amount of water consumed, training hours, skill, talent?

In truth, it is all these things.  Untangible, unpredictable and, for the most part, uninspiring–by themselves, but put together, with the right recipe – you get greatness.  Each team in the West has had ups and downs.  At moments throughout the season, each playoff team has had a few games close to perfection . . .  games that, when you witness them,  you truly believe no one can beat them.   Yet, each team has also had those games when you think they belong back on the high school court!

Many would pay quite a price for the magic formula of success.  The formula that has eluded the Jazz for awhile.  I believe we have it this year.  Regardless of where we end up in the playoffs, I believe we have the talent to go all the way.  Call me silly, naive, or hopeful . . . but maybe, just maybe, in a couple months, you can call me psychic!