The Hive Sports

Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz Pregame Analysis Night 2

by Alma Bean Feature Image by Rick Bowmer of the Associated Press The Utah Jazz (4-8) will look to redeem themselves tonight against the Phoenix Suns (6-6) in a quick division revenge game. What to Look For Quick revenge games don’t tend to come around too often but Utah is getting their chance against Phoenix…

Alma Bean

November 19, 2023

1–2 minutes

Bradley Beal, Damion Lee, Devin Booker, Johnny Juzang, Jordan Clarkson, Josh Christopher, Kevin Durant, Micah Potter, NBA, NBATV, Ochai Agbaji, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Walker Kessler, Yuta Watanabe

by Alma Bean

Feature Image by Rick Bowmer of the Associated Press

The Utah Jazz (4-8) will look to redeem themselves tonight against the Phoenix Suns (6-6) in a quick division revenge game.

What to Look For

Quick revenge games don’t tend to come around too often but Utah is getting their chance against Phoenix for their third meeting in this young season. Phoenix currently leads the season series 2-0 with a very important win on Friday night in their In-Season Tournament matchup. Though Utah lost by three points, that amount could be crucial for seeding since average point differential serves as a tiebreaker.

In this rematch, Phoenix is looking hot as Devin Booker got his career-high in assists last game with 15 along with Kevin Durant shooting a remarkable 15/22 (68.2%) from the field and 6/8 (75%) from the perimeter. When two stars play at a true superstar level, it is hard to match. Utah did manage to have Jordan Clarkson put the team on his back as he shot 14/26 (53.8%) from the field and 5/10 (50%) from the perimeter. Three of the five made perimeter shots from Clarkson came in the fourth quarter as Utah attempted to rally back.

Key of the Game

Maintaining composure. At halftime in their previous matchup, Utah only had two turnovers but finished the game with eight. Though that number may not jump out to some, but Utah tried to force the ball into tight windows when guys were open on the wings. On multiple possessions, Ochai Agbaji was left unguarded on the perimeter, but the ball handler would force the ball into coverage in the paint and led to a tipped ball. If Utah can take a breath and develop plays and look for the open man rather than trying to force the ball in a pocket, Utah should be able to pull off the upset.

Injury Report

Phoenix – Bradley Beal (back) Out, Damion Lee (knee) Out, Yuta Watanabe (quad) Questionable

Utah – Josh Christopher (G League) Out, Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Walker Kessler (elbow) Out, Micah Potter (G League) Out

Where to Watch

Tip-off is at 6:00 p.m. MST on NBATV, KJZZ and Jazz+.

Author

Written by

Alma Bean

I am currently a student at the University of Utah working toward my second bachelor’s degree, this time in communication with an emphasis in journalism. I currently have a bachelor’s degree in music from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. As I pursue a degree in communication, I dream to bring this emphasis of journalism to the world of sports. When I’m not writing, I allow my inner basketball fan to come out as I watch previous games and highlights across the NBA to become a walking, talking sports almanac.

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