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SALT LAKE CITY -- Somehow Ty Corbin has done it. He's managed to take this dysfunctional blend of wily and well- worn veterans and uber-talented, ‘new-school' kids, kept everybody (except maybe Raja Bell) basically happy and turned the Jazz around.
This sudden rush to within just 2 ½ games of the 4th spot in the West is the result of Corbin's personal defensive stamp on this season; new design and greater toughness. A huge part of that has got to be the 2nd year growth of Gordon Hayward.
In Tuesday's win over OKC and Sunday's road warrior work in LA, G-Hay helped the Jazz lock up the NBA's top two scorers; holding Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant to just 9-42 shooting and hounding them into 13 turnovers. Hayward didn't score in LA and had just 11 points Tuesday night but his willingness (along with CJ too) to get all up in the superstars and make them work contributed mightily to the two wins.
Derrick Favors excelled while Big Al Jefferson was away attending his Grandmother's funeral (39 pts, 27 rbs in two games vs. the Warriors and Lakers) and the quick study of No. 1 picks Enes Kanter and Alec Burks is also giving the Jazz energy, strength, quickness and a little fresh swag too.
The key facilitator in all this is the emergence of "The Closer" Paul Millsap. Taking advantage of quickness and hustle, he has converted huge hoops in endgame situations lately and just watch who Gordon's looking for from his ‘entry passing' position on the wing. It's Millie. Glad VP Kevin O'Connor didn't deal him at the deadline? And we can't overlook the sublime point guard play the Jazz are getting from "exhumed" Jamal Tinsley and Devin Harris. Actually Devin's turnaround since the All-Star break might be the subtle catalyst for everything!
Imagine that!
I realize there are 20 games left and the Jazz are still on a slippery slope. Then again, this 4-game winning streak has pulled them to within a half-game of Houston for the 8th and final playoff spot, but only 2 ½ games from the 4th spot (home court in the 1st round). The Jazz play 10 of their next 15 away but before you jump off the roof remember the Jazz are suddenly 3-3 in their last six roadies.
The schedule eases at the end, with four of their last five at the loud and rowdy Energysolutions Arena.
The playoffs are a real possibility, especially the way this team is coming together. It will require the ‘learning on the job, baptism by fire' coaching from Corbin, who'll need to continue to push the right buttons and keep blending in the kids. A first round playoff experience against OKC, or maybe the Spurs would only enhance the Jazz rapid rise in the West and set the table for an intriguing build going forward.
VP Kevin O'Connor has so many pieces in his GM ‘toolbox,' plenty of flexibility heading into what now looks like an enormously inviting non-Lockout season in 2012-13!
I welcome feedback. Hit me back @tksportsbeat or if you like more than 140 characters tom.kirkland@ksl.com
