Is 41 Wins a Magic Number?

November 7, 2008

In 2005-2006, the Utah Jazz won 41 games, barely missing the playoffs. A season later they went to the Western Conference Finals, losing to the San Antonio Spurs, who ultimately became the 2007 NBA champs.

41 wins sound familiar? Last night in Utah, Coach Nate McMillan was asked whether his Blazers’ squad, fresh off the same 41 wins last season had the juice to make the same leap as the Jazz. McMillan laughed, “I hope so. I certainly hope so,” And then he added more seriously, “It’s a long season. I don’t think at that time the West was as deep or talented as it is right now. That’s so far ahead, but if it happens hallelujah! Right now we’re just trying to get better and figure out how to compete in the West.”

Minutes later I posed the same question to Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan who didn’t make any predictions, but had encouraging words about the Blazers. The ever classy and stoic Sloan said, “They have a terrific team. They‘ve got the whole package. Young players, size, big people, guys who can shoot the ball and they’re very well coached. We were lucky to beat them one time last year.”

Utah edged out Portland 103 to 96 in the final minute of the game, but the next time these teams face each other in Utah on December 11, the Blazers will be ready for a rematch. And who knows, maybe they will square off with the Jazz in the 2009 Western Conference Finals. After all, 41-41 teams have done it before.