The Utah Jazz Find a Unique Way to Beat the Hawks
Rudy Gobert (27) and Clint Capela (15) compete for the opening tip.
The Utah Jazz traveled to Atlanta on Thursday night for the first game of a three-game road trip. The Jazz, who have won 13 of their last 14 games, won in convincing fashion. While the result was consistent with what we've seen over the last 14 games, the road victory over the Hawks was unique. Here are three reasons why Utah's victory over the Hawks was unique.
1. Fewer threes
If you have watched the Jazz this season, you will know that three-point shooting has been a staple on offense. Prior to the game against the Hawks, the Jazz set an NBA record for the most consecutive games with at least 15 threes. The Jazz attempt more than 42 threes per game.
Atlanta created a game plan to limit three-point attempts. For the most part, it worked - the Jazz only attempted 27 threes against the Hawks. The Jazz were forced to score in different ways, and they did. They scored more points in the paint (54 compared to 43 season average) and attempted more mid-range jump shots than we are accustomed to seeing.
2. Mike Conley foul trouble
Mike Conley, who leads the NBA in net point differential per 100 possessions, was called for his third foul in the first quarter and sat for most of the first half. The Jazz were not as efficient without Conley on the floor, but they found a way to expand the lead by halftime.
3. Donovan Mitchell missed dunk
The game against the Hawks was downright ugly at times, but the Jazz still found a way to win by 21 points. There was one play in particular that epitomized the first half for the Jazz. Donovan Mitchell wound up for a wide-open highlight dunk that went flying off the back of the rim:
Mitchell responded by getting a steal on the other end and creating a fast break dunk for Royce O'Neal. Just like that Donovan Mitchell sequence, the Jazz didn't look flawless like they have at times this past month. However, they still found a way to create separation and win in convincing fashion. Great NBA teams know how to win ugly games, and the Jazz are showing an ability to win games without playing their best basketball.
