10/30 Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks: Keys to the Game

The Utah Jazz will look to earn their first pair of back-to-back victories on the season as they take on the Dallas Mavericks tonight in Salt Lake City.

After a disappointing pair of losses, the Utah Jazz were able to bounce back somewhat in their latest game against the Los Angeles Lakers, but they also made it quite clear that they have a ways to go before the team truly comes together. Luckily, before going into a tough slate against three staunch opponents, the Jazz will get the opportunity to work out some kinks against a lackluster Dallas Mavericks team tonight.

The Mavericks are just 1-6 on the year and have definitely had their struggles with a roster that’s lacking in talent and very short on depth. Nevertheless, as evidenced by their impressive victory over a Memphis Grizzlies team that is off to a phenomenal start, the Mavs aren’t a team that can be slept on.

They boast one of the most savvy veterans in the league in Dirk Nowitzki, one of the NBA’s finest coaches in Rick Carlisle and a solid overall player in Harrison Barnes who happens to be the team’s leading scorers. Add all that up and this is certainly a team capable of surprising any that are caught unaware.

Which is exactly how the Jazz looked in their recent loss to the Phoenix Suns – unprepared, unaware and flat-footed. If they’re to avoid a similar embarrassing upset loss in their first game of the year against the Dallas Mavericks, they’ll have to play a much cleaner game and excel in the following key areas.