The Coma has Ended! And the Jazz are Rolling!

I have a lot of apologies to all my loyal readers that have visited my blog multiple times a day for the last year, because I haven't posted anything. I have recently come out of a long coma, so I'm ready to start feeding you all once again. Thanks for not giving up on me; the only thing that has kept me alive through this ordeal is the knowledge that you have been checking this blog, waiting for new material. It's time we saddle up and ride!

Oh, by the way, the Jazz are in the middle of a 9-game win streak.

I won't even try to catch up on what has happened this season, but it would do you all good to review in your minds the roller-coaster ride that we as Jazz fans have been on since late October 2009. Or, on second thought, just go back to mid-January (you will feel better about it that way). The Jazz have now won 13 of their last 14 games, including wins over the cream of the crop in the NBA.

Speaking of cream of the crop, the Los Angeles Clippers (cough) were the latest victim to the surging Jazz. Last night, the Jazz overcame a late-game deficit to beat the Clippers 109-99. Besides Deron Williams' 13 points and 11 assists, the Jazz got a huge game from Carlos Boozer, who finished with 34 points and 14 rebounds. He even admitted to having a chip on his shoulder after being snubbed by David Stern, who chose Chris Kaman as an All-Star reserve instead of Boozer. This apparently motivated Boozer; he was driving strong to the hoop, crashing the boards like a madman, and actually playing tough defense most of the night.

The best thing about last night, however, had nothing to do with Boozer, Williams, or even the recently-resurrected Andrei Kirilenko. The heroes of the night were Ronnie Price, C.J. Miles, and Wes Matthews. Price finished with 11 points on 4-4 from the field (including 3-3 from beyond the arc), and he was the leader of a 10-1 run in the fourth quarter that put the Jazz up for good. C.J. Miles had 9 points, as well as some nice assists late in the game. He played tough defense that shut down the Clippers and prevented a comeback. Matthews had 8 points, including a huge three-point play late in the game that sealed the deal. These three backups were crucial down the stretch for this victory.

Tonight is a huge night for the Utah Jazz. They host the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers in the EnergySolutions Arena at 7 PM. The Lakers may be playing without Kobe Bryant (he's a game-time decision), and they are definitely going to be without Andrew Bynum. If the Jazz can pull out a big win tonight, they will head into the All-Star break on a 10-game win streak and they will be able to rest and relax for the next 5 days. If Williams and Boozer are on top of their game tonight, I like our chances. Everybody clear their schedules -- cancel any homework, hot dates, or geneological library appointments. The Lakers are in town and we're going to give them the ol' how-do-you-do!!!!