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Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets: Keys to getting back on track

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 28: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz dunks against the Denver Nuggets on November 28, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 28: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz dunks against the Denver Nuggets on November 28, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Key #2 – Win the battle of the boards

The Denver Nuggets have been an exceptional rebounding team this year as they pull down 45.1 per game, good for sixth in the league. They also boast the NBA’s second best rebound percentage at 52.5 percent. However, in the last contest, the Jazz managed to outmatch the Nuggets on the boards by a count of 43-42. That wasn’t a large margin by any means, but against an elite rebounding squad like the Nuggets, it was enough to translate into a win.

Therefore, if the Jazz hope to repeat that result, it’s likely that they’ll need to do the same once again tonight. Denver plays with a lot of energy at home which helps them gobble up several rebounds leading to extra possessions and second chance points, so Utah will need to nip that in the bud if they hope to keep pace with a talented Nuggets squad.

Rebounding hasn’t been a strength whatsoever for Utah so far this season as they’re 25th in the league in rebound percentage and 26th in rebounds per game, so turning it around in this area won’t be easy, but remains vital nonetheless. Especially with Rudy Gobert out of commission, the Jazz will need to take a rebound by committee approach if they are to win the battle of the boards.

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