The Jazz beat the Houston Rockets 107-97 in their season opener at the Delta Center. You can read the game recap at the Salt Lake Tribune. I watched the whole game and couldn’t help but smile. Carlos Boozer was awesome (24 and 19), Deron Williams was the savvy floor leader (18 and 10), 19 year-old CJ Miles proved age doesn’t matter as he scored 12 in the opening half, Mehmet Okur dropped 17 points, Kirilenko did all the little things he does (despite being in foul trouble the whole game) and former Lakers (and thorn in our sides) guard Derek Fisher proved his worth and his leadership. I was impressed to say the least.

I realize it’s only one game and they had a little dry spell at the end of the 3rd Quarter and the start of the 4th, but this team can rebound and put points on the board. Plus, their youth isn’t rap-star-gangsta youth, but energized, team-oriented, athletic youth that Jerry Sloan has accepted and unleashed. If they play they way they did tonight against Yao Ming and Tracey McGrady (two all-stars), then I have no doubt they can make the playoffs and make some noise. This Jazz team reminds me of Detroit. No stars. Just a team.

PS - The header is going up every time there is a victory!! Boo yeah!