The Utah Jazz were a team that ended its 2015-16 season on the losing end of Kobe Bryant’s final 60-point game. It wasn’t exactly the way you want to end a season while trying to rebuild, but it’s a reality they faced. But the Jazz kept on fighting, rebuilding the right way, and now they’re headed to the second round of the NBA playoffs after winning a Game 7 against the Clippers on the road.
The Jazz’s Game 7 win on the road validated their 7-year rebuild
This season has already been a success for Utah.
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Winning a Game 7 on the road means something, no matter who you are or which juggernaut awaits in the next round. It especially means something when it’s your first series win in the playoffs since 2010.
The Jazz’s postseason success is a carryover from their regular-season success. They finished with 51 wins led by Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert, something they had not done since Jerry Sloan was coach. The last time the Jazz were this good, Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Paul Millsap were on the team. Let that sink in.
The Jazz got off to a great start in the offseason by acquiring George Hill, Joe Johnson, and Boris Diaw. Hill was brought on to fill their hole of a veteran starting point guard. Despite injuries, he has just done that. Johnson has provided veteran leadership and a player to help spread the floor, while Diaw is a low-post player who moves the ball beautifully on his own. Add this with Hayward, Gobert, and Derrick Favors and you can quickly see how this team was so successful.
From missing the playoffs to reaching the second round in a year, this is something the Jazz and their fans can smile about all summer. They’ll have to face the Warriors next, but no matter what happens in that series, this season can already be considered a success.
If this is enough to convince Hayward to stay and the Jazz can keep this core together, even better things are on the horizon.
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