Utah Jazz Top Five Storylines of the Week: February 14-February 20
The Utah Jazz have had many great storylines throughout this past week, here is a review of the top five.
#1 - Jordan Clarkson's 40-point effort against the 76ers:
Jordan Clarkson came off the bench Monday night with sniper-like shooting and a determination to lead the Jazz to victory over the Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia 76ers. During the 29-minutes that he graced the floor, Clarkson scored 40-points making him the first Jazzman since Thurl Bailey in 1988 to come off the bench and score 40-plus points. He also tied the franchise record with eight three-pointers during the matchup.
Jordan Clarkson (00) shoots a three pointer over Ben Simmons (25) on Monday night
#2 - Quin Snyder is named Head Coach of the Western Conference All-Star Team
On Wednesday, Jazz coach Quin Snyder was named the Head Coach of the Western Conference All-Star team. Coach Snyder is the first Utah Jazz Head Coach to be named to the position since Frank Layden led two Jazzmen, Adrian Dantley and Rickey Green, alongside other Western Conference All-Stars in 1984. Snyder has led the Jazz to a 24-6 record during 2021, and currently has his team in first place in the NBA.
Utah Jazz Head Coach Quin Snyder leads his team from the sidelines during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers
#3 - Rudy Gobert's 20-20 game against the Los Angeles Clippers
During game one of a back-to-back series against the Clippers, Rudy Gobert showed how dominant he can be with 20-rebounds and 23-points. His aggressive-ness in the paint shows why he is likely to be chosen as an NBA All-Star in 2021.
Rudy Gobert (27) goes to block a shot on Wednesday night against the LA Clippers
#4 - National Media Puts Utah in first place in Power Rankings
For the first time this season, national media members placed the Utah Jazz in the first place slot in their Power Rankings. ESPN, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, and other media sources are recognizing the Jazz as being the league's most dominant team.
Donovan Mitchell (45) and Mike Conley (10) chat during a break in play
#5 - Elo Forecast has the Utah Jazz as most likely to make the NBA Finals.
The Jazz Elo rating on FiveThirtyEight's Elo Forecast is a 1694, the highest rating in the NBA. They currently have >99% chance to make the playoffs, 36% chance of making the NBA Finals, and a 26% chance to win the NBA Finals.
Donovan Mitchell (45) with a violent dunk against the Clippers on Friday night
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