The Utah Jazz: The NBA's most unexpected juggernaut
The Utah Jazz were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league and potentially be a part of the Wembanyama sweepstakes. Their players obviously had other plans as the Jazz have surged as high as the first seed in the western conference thus making them the biggest surprise in the NBA this season. They pack a well balanced offense with 6 players averaging double digits in scoring but heir most impressive player has been their young forward, Lauri Markkanen. In his sixth season in the NBA and on his 3rd team Markkanen seems to have found a home in Utah. He is their leading scorer and rebounder averaging 22.7 points per game and 8.8 rebounds per game. As a team, despite having no superstar players, they are one of the best offensive teams in the league. They currently rank second behind only the defending eastern conference champion Boston Celtics in scoring at 118.8 points per game.
Next week, The Jazz will look to continue their hot start to the season with games against the 76ers, Knicks, Suns, and Trailblazers. The big question for the Jazz will be if their play is sustainable and for how long.
What's wrong with the Timberwolves?
The Minnesota Timberwloves were involved in 1 of 2 blockbuster trades with the Utah Jazz where they received 3x NBA defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert. After making the playoffs last year as a play-in team, many believed the trade would help the Timberwolves turn into a legitimate playoff contender. Unfortunately, that now appears unlikely as the Timberwolves have one of the worst records in the league through the first month of the season. Despite the addition of Gobert as a defensive anchor, the Timberwolves are one of the worst defensive teams in the league giving up 115.6 points per game. They also have a mediocre offensive even with having two talented young stars in Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. They currently rank just 25th in the league in three point shooting at 32.6% and average 16 turnovers per game.
Next week, the Timberwolves will have a short two game week where they play the Magic and Sixers. Coming off losses in 3 of their last 4 games, the Timberwolves have to find a way to turn their season around soon or risk becoming one of the most disappointing teams in the league.
Can the Warriors turn things thing around after their slow start?
After winning just 3 of their first 10 games, the Warriors appear to be turning things around. The Warriors have won 2 of their last 3 games due in large part to the brilliance of their superstar in Steph Curry. Curry has been by far their most consistent option offensively and has to carry more of the scoring load as a result. In his 12 games played, he has scored 30+ in nine games including back to back 40+ point games including a season high 47 point performance against the Kings. Though Curry's greatness is on full display, he's going to need a lot more help from his supporting cast for the Warriors to meet their championship expectations. One of their main issues this year has been their lack of bench scoring as several of their young players have not stepped up when needed. Another issue has been their inability to win road as they are currently 0-7 on the road to start the season for the first time since 1989. However, the biggest surprise has been the Warriors league worst defense giving up 119 points per game. For the Warriors to climb up the western conference standings their defense will be their most necessary fix.
Next week, the Warriors take on the Spurs, Suns, Knicks, and Rockets with every game now having an increased urgency as they look to stack up wins in response to their slow start. With a lot of season left to play it is still way to early to write the Warriors off. I expect the Warriors to play up to their potential as the season progresses.
Game of the Week: Cavs v Warriors-Steph drops 40 in a dramatic win for the Warriors.
Source: NBA YouTube Channel
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