Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors: Keys to the Game

December 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 104-74. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 104-74. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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December 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Key Stat – Turnovers

The last time Utah and Golden State faced off, the biggest problem that the Jazz faced was simply their inability to make shots. But in some circumstances Utah has still been able to come away with victories even with their offense struggling due to the fact that their overwhelming defense can be suffocating.

However, Utah faced an incredible uphill battle on defense as well as they ended the game with a ridiculous 23 turnovers that led to the Warriors getting 14 more shot attempts than the Jazz. Golden State plays at the fourth fastest pace in the league (102.3 possessions per game), is first in the league in fast break points (22.7) and first in points off turnovers (19.5).

Thus, simply put, this team gets out and runs and is absolutely deadly in transition. With 24 giveaways in the previous contest, the Jazz effectively handed the game over on a silver platter and it resulted in a 104-74 blowout.

Therefore, if the Jazz are to have any hopes of winning this game, they’re going to absolutely have to take care of the basketball. If they don’t, the contest will likely end in a similar blowout fashion.