Thanks to all the winning they’re doing this season, the Jazz have a target on their backs. Via the Salt Lake Tribune:
First came the 11-game winning streak. Then a follow-up nine-game winning streak. The surge to the top of the NBA standings. The universal praise from opposing coaches. The growing-if-guarded optimism from fans. The recognition and acknowledgement from national media types. The begrudging top position in pundits’ respective power rankings.
Yeah, the Utah Jazz were unquestionably the hottest team in the NBA.
And now, as a result, they are perhaps the most targeted.
Monday night’s loss in New Orleans was their second defeat in three games, and their third in the past six. Even many of their wins of late have been increasingly hard-fought. The price of Utah’s early success, it would seem, is that they are no longer perceived as simply a feel-good story, a scrappy team collectively playing over their heads, but rather a legitimate threat deserving of opponents’ full attention every night now.
It’s a good problem to have. Teams playing harder against the Jazz in the regular season will help toughen the Jazz up and prepare them for the playoffs. Utah’s eyes should be on the prize. They’re serious this season. And should welcome their opponents’ best.
