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Utah Jazz: Northwest Division Comparison – February

By Jared Woodcox

Jan 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates in the closing seconds of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Jazz defeated the Suns 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates in the closing seconds of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Jazz defeated the Suns 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma City Thunder

Current Record: 28-21

Standings: 2nd in Division, 7th in Conference

January was without a doubt an up-and-down month for the Oklahoma City Thunder as evidenced by the 7-8 record that they finished with. After starting out on a three-game losing streak, they bounced back by winning three straight then wavered back and forth for the rest of the month.

And while it seemed for a while like they would clearly be unable to match the Jazz for the top spot in the division, Utah’s latest slump which included a heartbreaking loss to the Thunder themselves has thrust OKC right back into the conversation for winning the division.

However, after losing to the Spurs last night, the Jazz have a bit of a cushion over Oklahoma City as they lead by two games.

Yet the Thunder have been hard to predict this season as much of their success depends so greatly on the play of Russell Westbrook. If he’s on, there’s few teams they can’t beat, but if he struggles, then even lesser teams can have their way with OKC.

Now, particularly with key role player Enes Kanter sidelined after intentionally punching a chair and fracturing his arm, the Thunder could be in for a bit of a slide, especially as they’ll face some very tough opponents between now and the All-Star break.

Therefore, while the Jazz will need to step their game up considerably if they hope to stave off the Thunder, given OKC’s over-reliance on one player and the absence of Kanter, I’m confident that Quin Snyder and Co. will shake off their recent slump and keep their top spot in the division, holding the Thunder to second place through the end of the season.

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