The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Keys to the Game

By Jared Woodcox

Jan 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) attempts to pass around Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5), forward Trey Lyles (41) and center Rudy Gobert (27) during the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Jazz defeated the Timberwolves 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) attempts to pass around Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5), forward Trey Lyles (41) and center Rudy Gobert (27) during the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Jazz defeated the Timberwolves 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Nov 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Performer – George Hill

In both victories over the Wolves so far this season, George Hill has clearly stood out as Utah’s top performer. Part of this has to do with the fact that Hill is primarily matched up against Ricky Rubio. And while Rubio is a solid passer and playmaker, he’s not exactly known for his defensive prowess and is also far from being a shooting threat on offense meaning that Hill won’t have to worry too much about being overworked defensively.

Although Hill had finally looked as if he was breaking out of his slump given his recent play, he had a rough go last night against the Thunder converting on just 6-of-15 attempts from the field while going a putrid 0-of-4 from deep. Of course, this is somewhat to be expected considering how much guarding Russell Westbrook demands of him, but there’s still no questioning that it was a disappointing showing.

However, that frustrating night may very well fuel a bounce-back game for Hill and with Rubio not even set to give him half the headache that Westbrook did, I expect Hill to be dialed in and firing on all cylinders, leading the Jazz as their top performer against the Timberwolves once again.

Home/Jazz News