3 reasons the Jazz continue to be in the playoff mix

Just more than a week ago, the Utah Jazz appeared buried and done.

They were coming off a Texas road swing in which they lost all three games. It marked a month in March in which the Jazz had lost nine of 12 games. Their playoff hopes were fading. The team was in a fog, listless, and looked ready for the season to end so they could begin their summer vacations.

Then it all changed. Well, at least it did for five games until a good Denver Nuggets team came to town Wednesday. While the Nuggets exposed the Jazz as what they truly are – an average bunch who deserve they fight they are in to make the playoffs, they showed change recently to keep them in the postseason mix.

While one can argue whether it matters if the Jazz make the playoffs – in my opinion, it doesn’t, considering they’ll most likely be swept in the first round like last season – to steal a line from Nuke in the classic movie "Bull Durham," “I love winning man…you hear what I’m saying. It’s better than losing!”

Despite the obvious reasons that includes the level of competition and hot shooting, there are three other key reasons why the Jazz remain in the playoff fight:

1. Tyrone Corbin finally got gutsy. Fans and media alike have criticized his rotations all season. In his defense, it’s difficult to play the right combinations with, arguably, 11 players with similar ability. It was clear he was hesitant to fiddle with his lineups and particularly mess with his veteran players. That recently changed. He benched Paul Millsap and Mo Williams. He has been more willing to insert younger players into the game quickly when veterans are giving lackluster effort. He has changed the offense to start games by allowing all players to contribute and touch the ball, as opposed to feeding it to Al Jefferson down low while the rest stand and watch.Why did it take him so long? My theory is it was desperation time. He knew if he started benching and toying with starters, he wouldn’t have to manage a sour locker room. Imagine if he would have benched them earlier this season – some could argue he should bench the starters to give younger players valuable experience. With a team of eight unrestricted free agents, one can reason Corbin would have lost the locker room. Remember how big a negative Raja Bell was a season ago? Imagine eight veterans unhappy with their roles. The season would have been a mess. As the season nears its end, it doesn’t matter as much. If players get disgruntled, who cares? They’ll be gone to free agency in a few weeks anyway.
2. Players competitiveness was restored. By Corbin getting more aggressive in his coaching, the many role players on this team woke up. The competitive juices started flowing again and their selfishness was diluted as the wins have mounted. Considering none of the Jazz impending free agents are star players, the light bulb went off in that it might help them to play well and make the playoffs for their futures – whether those futures include being re-signed by the Jazz or another team.

1. Al Jefferson had a reality check. Since Jefferson’s arrival to Utah, he’s been the focal point of the offense. This despite the fact he’s one of the worst defenders on the planet. In his world, going out and getting his 20+ shots and his double-double are why he’s getting paid the big bucks. In the March 11 home win over Detroit, Jazz fans booed Jefferson, which seemed to leave a mark on him. Despite criticism from media and sports radio callers, it seemed like the first time Jefferson realized being a one-dimensional player wasn’t enough to satisfy savvy fans. With the apparent counseling of Paul Millsap and Derrick Favors, since that time Jefferson has attempted to play some defense. It’s not always pretty but at least he's trying and, in the end, that’s all Jazz fans can request.

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