The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Keys to getting revenge against the pesky Timberwolves

By John Keeffer

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on October 20, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Jazz 100-97. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on October 20, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Jazz 100-97. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 05: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz takes a three point shot defended by James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on November 05, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 05: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz takes a three point shot defended by James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on November 05, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Ricky Rubio needs to be a positive on offense

The Jazz knew what they were getting when they traded for Ricky Rubio. Throughout his entire career, Rubio has been a ball-dominant, pass-first point guard. He has traditionally made his team’s offense better through smart decision-making, but his career shooting averages of 37.6 percent and 31.3 percent from 3-point range have always left more to be desired.

In Games 6-8, Rubio looked liked he had turned a corner on offense. He finished with 20, 21 and 30 points, while connecting on 11 of 21 3-pointers.

In the five games since then, Rubio has only made one 3-pointer, making 1-of-17. Hee’s hit on 13-of-49 overall during that stretch. If he’s going to be a negative on the offensive end of the court, his role will have to be reduced. Needless to say, Utah needs Rubio to get going.

The matchup against the Timberwolves may be the perfect setting for Rubio to overcome this slump in play. The opportunity to play well against his former team should get him going. In their first matchup, Rubio finished with 19 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and two steals. It was everything we could’ve hoped for when the Jazz traded for Rubio.

In the best-case scenario, Rubio will find a way to get back on track and match the numbers he put up against his former team previously. If this happens, he’ll help give the Jazz a terrific chance to win.

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