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Whit Johnson reportingThe Jazz are red hot heading into game three against the Houston Rockets, and "Jazz Fever" is sweeping across Utah.
The playoff action is not just happening on the court. When the Jazz succeed, it really has an impact on the local economy; everything from a neighborhood bakery to the tourism industry.
Wherever you go, people seem to be talking about one thing. It's that time of year again, and some Jazz fans are experiencing mood swings, shortness of breath and dizziness. Jazz fan Brent Waite says, "There's a good, big fever going on."
Symptoms may vary, but don't worry, it appears the illness does more good than harm. Shawn Stinson, with the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, says, "The Jazz fever thing, it's legitimate. It's an actual real fact of life here."
The Utah Jazz are on fire, up two games to none in their playoff series against the Houston Rockets, and fans are optimistic. Clara Fletcher says, "It's time. You know we've waited a long time, so I think it's now."
But Jazz success is having an impact off the court as well. Experts say a good season is good for the local economy. Stinson says, "Not only does the Jazz getting further into the playoffs take Salt Lake into the minds of possible visitors throughout the nation and internationally, in fact, but it gives a great sense of pride for Salt Lakers and Utahns in general." Some people are showing their pride by buying Jazz merchandise. The cash is rolling in at all the shops selling Jazz merchandise.
At Schmidt's Pastry Cottage, they're serving everything from cupcakes to the special Jazz sugar cookies. Stephen Borg, the owner of Schmidt's Pastry Cottage, says, "People have really caught on to it, and they enjoy using these cookies for their parties."
Fletcher says, "It may be too soon, but I'm ready for the Lakers, and I hope everybody else is too."
People are already starting to show up here at EnergySolutions Arena. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m.
E-mail: wjohnson@ksl.com
