The Utah Jazz are showing once again why they are arguably the model franchise in the NBA. Just like the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL, the Jazz have a culture of stability and loyalty along with a rabid fan base that has allowed them to remain competitive year-in, year-out. A nearly three-month stretch of strong play has catapulted the Jazz into in a four-way tie with the Mavs, Nuggets and Suns for the second best record in the highly competitive Western Conference with five games remaining.

The formula that has gotten the Jazz to this point is a familiar one: pick-and-roll offense supported by good perimeter shooters, disciplined half-court defense and a significant home-court advantage. While Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer have replaced Stockton and Malone, the style of play remains remarkably similar. With the exception of Boozer, many of the Jazz’ current players are draft picks, including star point guard Williams. The Jazz’ judicious talent evaluation is particularly important in a market that makes it tough to attract high profile free agents.

At the heart of it all as always is Head Coach Jerry Sloan. Sloan is now in his 22nd season as head coach, by far the longest tenure with one team of any coach in NBA history. His principled, no-nonsense manner has earned him high praise and respect from not only within the organization, but also across the league. Sloan was a hard-nosed player himself before moving to the coaching ranks, and that nature is very much reflected in his teams. He is still in search of that elusive championship (thanks in large part to Michael Jordan), but Sloan is that rare breed in professional sports who does not need rings and trophies to validate his career. His unerring approach to life and the game has already earned him the distinction of being recognized as one of the great coaches of the modern era. Deservedly he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

The Jazz are playing very well right now, and will be bolstered by the return of Andrei Kirilenko from a calf injury. The play of Kirilenko and Mehmut Okur in support of Williams and Boozer will be critical success factors for the Jazz in the playoffs.  While this team may lack the overall consistency of the rock-solid Stockton and Malone teams, it is still a team nobody wants to play, particularly in Salt Lake City. And if they get hot, the Jazz could easily make a trip to the Finals.