Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Keys to the Game

Key Stat – Assists

The last time the Jazz and Grizzlies faced off, not only was Utah held to just 38.9 percent shooting from the field, but they allowed a slow, plodding Memphis team to thoroughly outmatch them in the assist category as the Grizzlies logged 19 compared to Utah’s 14. And while those 19 assists were just under Memphis’ season average, it still helped them to gain a critical advantage.

Given the fact that Memphis is not generally a high-assist team compared to the rest of the league, it was discouraging to see them get so much offensive momentum which ultimately allowed them to overwhelm what is a normally staunch Jazz defense by shooting well over their season averages both from the field and from behind the arc.

The Jazz meanwhile, clearly could not get any offensive flow going as evidenced by their low assist number which was about five fewer than their season average. And while the Jazz rank even lower than the Grizzlies in terms of assists per game, they’re certainly more capable at moving the ball than what they showed in that game in Memphis.

Therefore, if Utah hopes to beat the slow-paced, grind-it-out Grizzlies, it will be critical that they get into an efficient and flowing offense that utilizes great ball movement and results in several assists.