Utah Jazz: Five Silver Linings From the Two-Game Skid

Jan 5, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) fends off Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) fends off Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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Shelvin Mack Utah Jazz Toronto Raptors Cory Joseph
Jan 5, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) dribbles the ball beside Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) in the second half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

3) Shelvin Mack Actually Had a Good Game

The love/hate relationship Jazz fans have with Shelvin Mack has been running more cold than hot lately. He’s had solid games throughout the season, but his decision-making and foul shooting have often left something to be desired.

Nevertheless, in the game against the Raptors, there’s no denying the fact that the Mack Attack was running strong. In 31 minutes of play, he hit on 7-of-9 from the field, scoring 17 points. He also grabbed four rebounds from the point guard spot.

I recently opined that Mack deserves some credit for how he’s filled in for George Hill. Defensively, there were some issues in containing Lowry, but this kind of overall performance in a hard-fought loss to one of the five best teams in the league still shows as much.

The haters will probably continue to bemoan every minute Mack receives, but until Hill is ready to come back or Exum shows some progression, we’re going to be seeing a lot of him.

Like him or not, he’s probably the best option the Jazz have at the point right now and his effort against Toronto speaks to that effect.

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