The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls: Keys to a much-needed victory

By Jared Woodcox

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 19: The Chicago Bulls huddle before the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 19, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 19: The Chicago Bulls huddle before the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 19, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 19: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls gets introduced before the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 19, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 19: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls gets introduced before the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 19, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Key #3 – Cool off Lauri Markkanen

Much like the Utah Jazz, the player that has been the most exciting to watch for the Bulls has been a rookie. However, although Donovan Mitchell has been absolutely phenomenal for the Jazz, he isn’t the team’s leading scorer (at least not yet) like the Bulls’ rookie is. For Chicago, that title goes to NBA newcomer Lauri Markkanen.

Markkanen has been somewhat of a surprise and undoubtedly an enormous bright spot in an otherwise disappointing Chicago Bulls season. He paces the team with 15.6 points per game and is shooting relatively well from both the field (44.7 percent) and from deep (36.7 percent) for the Bulls, especially for a rookie.

What’s also somewhat surprising is that he is firing up seven three-point attempts per game which is 1.2 more threes per game than rookie Donovan Mitchell who many Jazz fans have considered quite the chucker himself. Therefore, the Jazz will have to be wary about Markkanen’s quick trigger from beyond the arc. Although his shot from deep isn’t completely deadly, it’s enough of a threat that if he gets going, especially at his high volume, he could easily punish the Jazz.

It’s been a while since he’s had an overwhelmingly dominant outing from three, so he could be considered overdue. That’s all the more reason for the Jazz to keep a hand in his face at all times and ensure that the exhilarating young rookie doesn’t have one his sharp-shooting nights.

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