Utah Jazz vs. Maccabi Haifa: Keys to the Game

Key #3 – Bench Stepping Up

Utah’s poor second quarter against Sydney largely initiated as the second unit came in and failed to maintain the energy and intensity that the starters had established. Although several of them were able to rebound and end up having an overall productive game, it would have been nice to see them elevate their game from the get-go.

Of the bench players, Donovan Mitchell was one of the most effective as he finished with 11 points on 50 percent shooting while finishing with a game-high plus/minus of +18. Unfortunately for Utah’s second unit, it was announced on Tuesday that Mitchell is doubtful for Wednesday’s contest because of right hamstring tightness.

If he does indeed sit out, it will likely be largely a precautionary measure and nothing for Jazz fans to overly fret about, but it will also mean that Utah’s second unit will need to step up even further in his absence. Backup point guard Raul Neto has also been listed as questionable, so the backcourt players off the bench will need to step up in a big way, particularly against the solid guard corp of Maccabi.

The starters ought to fare just fine once again, so if the bench can come in strong and rise to the occasion in wake of Mitchell’s likely absence, then the Jazz should be in a good spot to log their second preseason victory.