The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Keys to finishing the month strong

By Jared Woodcox

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 16: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers rallies his teammates in huddle prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Quicken Loans Arena on December 16, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 16: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers rallies his teammates in huddle prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Quicken Loans Arena on December 16, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 16: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers rallies his teammates in huddle prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Quicken Loans Arena on December 16, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 16: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers rallies his teammates in huddle prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Quicken Loans Arena on December 16, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The Utah Jazz will look to hand LeBron James his seventh straight loss in Salt Lake City when the Cleveland Cavaliers come to town on Saturday night.

Although the last time the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers tipped off, the game didn’t end up resulting in Utah’s favor, it was still one of their better performances of what’s been a grueling month of December. Especially considering that they’ve been absolutely blown out in four of their five contests since that game, the 109-100 defeat back on December 16th doesn’t seem as bad.

Despite missing both Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert in that contest, the Jazz did a lot of things well. Donovan Mitchell had a superb game, Utah shot 50 percent (17-of-34) from deep and were in the lead or within striking distance practically all game long. Unfortunately, when all was said and done, LeBron James (who had an exceptional game) and Co. were too much for Utah to handle.

The tables have turned somewhat for Saturday’s upcoming contest, however. Not only will the game take place on Utah’s home court where LeBron has just so happened to lose six straight contests, but the Jazz are in the midst of a horrific streak of 10 losses in 12 games and are going to be desperately looking to bounce back.

With all of that in mind, their chances of winning look slightly better than they did going into the road contest against the Cavs in which Utah fell short despite playing quite well. If they’re able to play with that same energy and efficiency while using their home court advantage to slow down Cleveland, they may very well be able to steal a much-needed win to close out the month of December.

But to do so, they’ll have to be absolutely exceptional in the following key areas.

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