by Alma Bean
Feature Image: Photo by Jeffery D Allred of Deseret News
After a tough three-game losing streak, the Utah Jazz (12-9) take on the Phoenix Suns (12-6) to finish their second game of a back-to-back.
What to Look For
Utah has managed to drop their last three games but has managed to still score at a high rate. Averaging 116 PPG over their losing streak, that still ranks in the top 10 in the league. Phoenix currently ranks in the top five in the league in opponents’ PPG with 107.4. Utah is near the bottom of the league in that category with 115.7 PPG. Phoenix is currently on a three-game win streak and their last loss was against Utah the last time they faced each other 134-133. With Phoenix having top-10 scorer Devin Booker, Utah will look to slow him down. In their previous matchup, Booker scored 49 points on 16/31 (51.6%) shooting.
Keys of the Game
Over Utah’s losing streak. they have been struggling with transition defense. In their last game against Golden State, Utah allowed 35 fast break points and 27-second chance points. Utah has also unlocked a potential defensive threat in Walker Kessler. During their current losing streak, Kessler is averaging 2.7 blocks per game. He has also been shooting 7/7 (100%) during that stretch. Another person to keep your eye out for is Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Now that Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy has been experimenting with lineups due to injury, a facilitator is needed. Alexander-Walker provided that spark in Utah’s last matchup with six assists. Even contributing on the defensive end with three steals and a block.
Where to Watch?
Tip-off between Phoenix and Utah will be at 7:00 PM MST on AT&T SportsNet.