Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Keys to the Game

3 of 5

Mar 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) attempts to steal the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Stat – Turnovers

This was my key stat the last time the Jazz faced the Thunder, but with a volatile guy like Russell Westbrook who is so apt to turning the ball over, it simply has to be an area of focus.

While limiting his efficiency is obviously one crucial part of stopping Westbrook, it’s also important to frustrate his game further by forcing him into foolish turnovers. On the season, he’s averaging 5.5 turnovers per game, the second highest mark in the league. He’s also averaged a handful of 10-turnover games this season.

It’s definitely been a huge weakness for him that has been very costly for the Thunder at times. A perfect example of Westbrook’s foolish turnovers changing a game took place in their recent contest against the Warriors.

The game had been nip and tuck through practically the entirety of the first three quarters, but then after committing the most obvious and foolish travel I think I’ve ever seen, followed immediately after by a bad pass down the court, the Warriors were able to score six quick points, momentum shifted and the game was all but over before the fourth quarter even began.

Last time the Thunder faced the Jazz, Westbrook committed five turnovers, but the Thunder as a team only committed nine while Utah had 14 such miscues. On the season, OKC averages about 1.5 more turnovers than Utah, so the Jazz will need to play closer to that season average and win the turnover battle by frustrating Westbrook while taking care of the ball themselves.

Home/Jazz News