Welcome back, Andrei. We’ve missed you.

And so, UtahJazzBlog emerges from its exams-induced hibernation, just in time for the playoffs. And what a glorious start it was. The Jazz played great team basketball. There were issues, yes — too many turnovers in the first half, too many free throws given up, too many ill-advised shots — but overall, there’s not a whole lot to complain about for the Jazz. Deron controlled the tempo and showed no signs of injury (in fact, his somewhat reckless drives made me a little relieved, since he obviously feels good enough to take those cheap shots from Houston). Booz was his usual beastly self. Korver had an up-and-down game, but hit several key shots. Overall, the bench was really great. And the real kicker is the Jazz took a vital Game 1 on the road, after all the doubters kept saying we couldn’t. I don’t think I can understate the importance of that one.

But the number one thing to take from this game is the amazing play of Andrei Kirilenko. After the horror of last year’s roller-coaster Houston series, I have to admit I was nervous about how he would play in the Toyota Center. I needn’t have worried. Andrei impressed me in so many ways. He played great face-up defense, especially on McGrady (who again proved his un-clutch-ness). He sniped from the weak side for blocks. And he seemed to make everything, inside and out (with the exception of one or two ridiculous attempts — he’s still Andrei, after all.) If he can play this way through the whole playoffs, I don’t see anyone stopping this team.

Anyway, had to post my first thoughts after tonight’s huge win. Much more to come during the playoffs, including discussions with other blogs and major linkage. It begins.