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Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Keys to the Game

By Jared Woodcox

Oct 30, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers forward Wesley Johnson (33) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 88-75. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers forward Wesley Johnson (33) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 88-75. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Boston won 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Boston won 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Stat – Three-Point Percentage

The Clippers are currently sixth in the league in points per game and their high-octane offense is largely the result of their incredible three-point shooting. LA ranks fourth in the league from behind the arc at 38 percent and in wins this season they’re shooting over 40 percent.

Therefore it will be absolutely critical that the Jazz control the perimeter and not allow the Clippers to get hot from deep. With sharpshooters including JJ Redick, Jamal Crawford, Austin Rivers and surprisingly even Marreese Speights who’s shooting 40.4 percent from three so far this year, the Jazz will likely have their work cut out for them.

Not to mention, Utah was pathetic from three in their latest contest against Boston finishing the game just 8-of-31 (25.8 percent) from deep. The Jazz are beginning to have quite a stark difference in three-point percentage in wins as losses as they are shooting 37.9 percent in victories compared to just 34.2 percent in defeats.

Thus it’s likely that their performance from behind the three-point line will end up determining their fate. The Jazz are currently 12th in the league in three-point percentage so LA clearly has an advantage in that area that if left unchecked will likely be Utah’s undoing.

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