They lost nine of their last 11 road games.

Someone excused it by citing the Jazz's youth. A year ago, they managed 17 road wins, and the year before that, it was 20 wins, and the year before that 19 wins. They haven't gotten younger.

This was a missed opportunity. The Western Conference is down this year. With the notable exception of the Lakers, the conference is filled with nondescript teams. The Spurs have faltered. The Suns have tinkered with a winning lineup so many times, they've lost their way and missed their window of opportunity. Three of the NBA's top four teams are in the other conference.

This was a year in which the Jazz, with any kind of decent showing on the road, could have secured a good position heading into the playoffs. As it stands now, you'd better enjoy the Jazz playoff run while you can. It probably won't last long. Don't look now, but the Jazz are on the road again.

E-MAIL: drob@desnews.com