Before we start mentally unveiling the championship banner, lets remember that this is only one win, against a team that was missing the player we have the hardest time matching up with, Bonzi Wells, and that they are also breaking in a new player playing out of position in Shane Battier. The Rockets did not play up to their potential.

That being said, this was a great win for the Jazz. They were composed, executed and competed on every meaningful possession. I am very impressed. Some observations from game number one.

- Billy Ray Cyrus should never be offered any time to comment during a Jazz game. Ever. I am glad to have some of the World Series mojo that he brought though.
- Starting CJ Miles was a total surprise. His improvement was obvious during the pre-season, but I never imagined Sloan would start him in the opener. Great move. I loved watching him school Kirk Snyder.
- Deron Williams played terrific position defense. He will be recognized for the way he distributed the ball and his overall presence on the other end, but I was most impressed by the way he fought over screens and beat Alston to his position every time.
- The Jazz were able to dominate a game when AK was completely ineffective. This never happened last year.
- Boozer was more than we ever expected he could be. He was an absolute beast.
- Ronnie Brewer is a freak athlete.
- The new ball is going to make Harpring even more of a fumble fingers than before.
- Derrick Fisher is going to be an incredible addition. He has total composure at the end of games and it showed.

In short, this was a big win for the Jazz. They took control early and maintained it. When Houston started to make a run at the end, and it looked like the Jazz were going to cave, Fisher hit a three to stop their momentum and turn the game back in our favor. That was at 3:40 left in the forth and it was the biggest play of the game.