How to Watch the Jazz Pain Free (Almost)

I was watching the Jazz-Cleveland game, last week, and I noticed a lot of upset people.

They were mad that the Jazz weren’t shooting well, especially from 3-point range. The team was playing hard, but each time it started to catch up, it would allow a string of points and need to climb back.

Also, fans were mad at some of the physicality that forced Deron Williams to leave the game temporarily.

And a lot of people went home unhappy.

That’s when it occurred to me that watching the 2009 Jazz takes some work. But enjoying the experience isn’t out of reach for Jazz fans. Forthwith are some ways to watch the Jazz without wanting to slit your wrists:

1. Don’t expect too much. The disappointment comes when you’re working under the illusion the Jazz are contenders. Good team, yes. Contender, no. They weren’t last year when the season ended and they’re not now. Other teams have improved and the Jazz aren’t healthy.

2. Pick out a favorite and watch. It’s a different game if you watch the play away from the ball. Choose a player and follow him wherever he goes. You’ll see stuff you’d never see otherwise.

3. Take in the experience, if you’re watching in person. People drive from all around the Intermountain West to see games — maybe only once or twice in their lifetimes. Consider the spectacle, not just the outcome. The music, the fireworks, the arena, the dancers, the bigness of it all. Pretend you’re not jaded to this. You might even find it’s kind of cool.

4. Most of all, appreciate the stars. Unlike college sports, every team in the NBA has former All-Americans and/or superstars. So watch them. If you missed LeBron James’ show against the Jazz, worrying about the outcome, you missed something special. That’s the thing about the NBA. If you buy a ticket, catching Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard or Kevin Garnett is a pretty nice reward for your money, no matter who wins.