Originally when I sent out a mailbag call for Utah Jazz fans to tell me what their favorite moments of the season were, I assumed I would get responses about things that happened on the court, about the Jazz clinching the No. 1 seed, wild plays, career-highs, and I did. But I also got a lot of responses that were more personal.
I love basketball. I truly think it’s the greatest sport in the world and when I saw these responses I related so much to them. It was a fresh reminder of how lucky we are to have sports in our life.
Don’t worry, later in the week I’ll put together some of more the Jazz basketball-centered responses. But this was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
My favorite was that we got to have a season. With so many things having to be canceled, the season went on and it was a great release to watch games in the evenings after teaching through a pandemic. The season was fun and successful despite its ending.
— Paula Potter (@paulalpotter) June 20, 2021
Working through a global pandemic has been hard on an unimaginable number of people. I’m not even going to pretend to understand what it has been like for front line workers, teachers, and those who were unable to work remotely. Paula is not the first person to reach out to me and tell me that tuning into a Jazz game was a way to escape anxiety, to calm the nerves, to find a small moment of happiness.
The fact that the NBA season even happened is incredible. After the league suspended play on March 11, 2020, there were definitely times that I wondered whether it was going to be possible and feared that my favorite thing in the world was in danger of being lost. I’m grateful for everything that basketball has given to me and was especially grateful to have it back this year.
Just playing during the pandemic. It was crazy as a teacher but they always gave me hope and something to look forward too. To that I will always be grateful.
— Ashley (@bojingles83) June 20, 2021
Piggy-backing off those last thoughts, the Utah Jazz were incredible this season. Fans rarely tuned in and saw a loss. When things were particularly difficult this year, the Jazz gave fans something to look forward to.
It might sound cheesy, but that’s worth something. The season certainly didn’t end the way that anyone wanted it to, but while it was happening, it really provided a lot of smiles.
Honestly, Jazz basketball brought my family closer together and helped strengthen friendships. Incredible to watch this group of guys come together this year. Bummed it ended sooner than we wanted, but dang, there were some fun games this year!
— Ashleigh Jackson (@justbeingme_aj) June 20, 2021
I am a firm believer in the healing power of sports. When you’re in the throes of fandom, bonds can be repaired and made stronger. Reading Ashleigh say, “basketball brought my family closer together,” is something that I can relate to makes me so happy.
I know what it’s like to find a common ground with family through basketball. Nothing like it.
I moved out of utah this year and really struggled to meet people during the pandemic. Having this jazz team and the conversations with my friends about this team really helped not feeling so isolated on the other side of the country.
— Kris (@krisaverett) June 20, 2021
I also know what it’s like to move somewhere new and to not know anyone and feel incredibly isolated.
I moved to Utah in December of 2019 and three months later the world shut down. I was physically isolated and emotionally isolated. If not for the people I knew through basketball and specifically the other reporters who cover the Jazz, I’m not sure what I would have done. Whether it’s through through the people that you work with, interacting with other fans, or just through watching the game, it’s hard to be lonely when you have basketball in your life.
Being able to go to games with my wife! Our first date was to a Jazz game and we love being able to be in the building especially in playoff atmosphere!
— Trevor Pierce (@tapierce4) June 20, 2021
I love love! And I love playoff basketball.
The crowd at Vivint Arena for Game 1 of the Jazz’s series against the Clippers will always hold a special place in my heart. Like I said, there were times last year when I thought that we might not ever be able to get back to normal. The idea of a full arena was the farthest thing from my mind.
A full arena during a playoff game is my nirvana. Somehow, with the energy, excitement, the noise and the buzz of tension in the air, it’s the most peaceful and joyful place I can think of.
This was the season that my 10yo daughter fell in love with the NBA and the Jazz. Together we saw Bogey drop 48 on the Nuggets to essentially clinch #1. Donovan returning from injury to put Dillon Brooks in his place is another memory we’ll share forever.
— Benjamin Gaines 🇺🇦 (@benjamingaines) June 20, 2021
Benjamin, you nearly brought me to tears.
Is there anything better than falling in love with basketball? For me, there isn’t. I remember every minute detail from those days when I first discovered that basketball was something special for me. Ok, never mind, you definitely brought me to tears.
Those memories are truly something that you’ll share forever.
If you would like to have your question answered, you can send it to me at stodd@deseretnews.com with “mailbag” in the subject line, or you can send it to me via Twitter @NBASarah with the hashtag #UtahJazzMailbag.