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Utah Jazz: Northwest Division Comparison – January

Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts as Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) looks on during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts as Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) looks on during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

Current Record: 21-14

Standings: 2nd in Division, 6th in Conference

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to be Utah’s toughest competitor for first place in the division, thanks largely to the incredible efforts of Russell Westbrook. The MVP candidate continues to impress averaging 30.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game.

His solid play has nearly single-handedly carried the Thunder to sixth in the conference and within striking distance to finish much better. Because Westbrook is so talented and versatile, the Thunder are capable of beating any team in the league. However, for the very same reason that OKC depends so heavily on him, they’re also able to lose to just about anyone.

I’ve said it before, but unfortunately for the Thunder, while they’ll almost surely be a playoff team, their reliance on one single guy is not a recipe for success. Still, they played relatively well in December, going 9-5 over the course of the month and if Westbrook can begin to more successfully utilize the likes of Victor Oladipo, Enes Kanter and Steven Adams they could find themselves surging to the top of the division.

Nevertheless, Utah looked extremely impressive in their December win over the Thunder as they were able to hold Westbrook to just 7-of-25 shooting and five turnovers. The Jazz and other elite defensive teams have been able to mostly contain the Thunder as Westbrook hasn’t been able to get enough out of his teammates to win many of those games.

For that very reason, I’m feeling confident that Utah will edge out the Thunder for first in the division and Westbrook and Co. will have to settle for second-best.

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