Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans: Keys to the Game

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Feb 10, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) passes to center Alexis Ajinca (42) as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Stat – Fast Break Points

Although the New Orleans Pelicans struggle immensely to score as they rank just 21st in the league at 103.3 points per game and 23rd in field goal percentage at 44.3 percent, all while playing at the eighth fastest pace in the league, one area where they have found success is in transition where they’re seventh in the league with 15.2 fast break points per game.

Of course this high figure has a lot to do with the fast pace that they play at, but still it’s important that the Jazz limit the Pelicans in transition and prevent them from building any momentum with easy fast break points.

Considering how much they struggle to score, Utah will easily be able to frustrate them if they force the Pelicans to have to convert against a staunch half-court defensive set each time down the court.

Luckily, Utah has excelled at doing just that all season long. There are several reasons why the Jazz are the league’s best defense in terms of opponent points per game, but one of those is their disciplined ability to get back and defend in transition. Utah is currently tied with the Detroit Pistons for the fewest fast break points allowed per game at 10.7.

If the Jazz can continue that trend by slowing the Pelicans’ pace, controlling them in transition and forcing them into difficult shots, this will more than likely turn out to be a Utah victory.

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