Coach took a small step toward the elusive COY award by taking home the award for the month of February.  But really how could he not have won it… the Jazz finished the month with only 1 loss (best record in the NBA and a new franchise best for Feb.), Jazz dealt with major injuries to Boozer and Kirilenko, Jazz dealt with death of Larry H. Miller, Sloan also dealt with deaths of former teammates Kerr and Van Lier at end of month. Deron Williams was somehow overlooked when it came to Western Conference player of the month, that honor was given to Pau Gasol (and Dwayne Wade for the East).

Competition in Action

The Mavs lost to the Thunder giving the Jazz a ounce of breathing room over Dallas.  On the flip-side, both San Antonio and New Orleans picked up W’s.

If the Jazz can win their next two home games against Houston and Denver, Utah has the potential to be at or near the third seed by the start of their Eastern road trip.  By the time they take the court in Toronto on Sunday, their are a potential 17 losses that could be had by the other Western Conference playoff contenders and of those 17 their are 6 guaranteed (for example, Portland at Denver on Thursday).