Only a few games ago the Utah Jazz appeared out of the playoffs.

A disappointing four-overtime loss to Atlanta started a 5-8 slide which pushed the Jazz out of the playoffs with five games remaining. Dallas would visit Energy Solutions Arena having won the last seven matchups against the Jazz. The playoff push looked dead, or at least on very precarious life support.

Then the Jazz woke up. A three-overtime victory over the Mavericks Monday night not only put the Jazz back into playoff contention, but may have given the team a shot in the arm that could rejuvenate the franchise.

Sure, the Jazz could have mailed it in a few weeks ago after several key contributors went down with injuries. Fans wanted the young players to develop, and were willing to give up the veterans’ minutes. But if there is any player on the Jazz that symbolizes the value of making the playoffs it is veteran center Al Jefferson.

Now in his eighth season in the NBA, Jefferson has never made the playoffs. For the first time since entering the league, Jefferson’s team is still playing for, and are even in contention of, a playoff spot. To say this is something he wants would be a huge understatement.

For more information check out the April 19 addition of the Davis Clipper.