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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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 25: Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Patrick McCaw #0 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oakland, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 25: Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Patrick McCaw #0 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oakland, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Key #2 – Stop the 3-ball

Even though the Utah Jazz were able to shoot a higher percentage from three than the Cavaliers in the two teams’ last meeting, the fact that the Cavs still shot over 45 percent was definitely a major reason why Utah lost. This was one of the keys I brought up leading up to last game, but the fact of the matter is that Cleveland is so dangerous from behind the arc that it can’t be overlooked.

They’re fourth in the league in three-point percentage at 38.4 percent and third in attempts at 32.7 per game. In other words, it’s a huge part of their offense that they rely on a lot and they tend to be able to convert. Therefore, as I mentioned in the first key, Utah needs to step up their defense overall, but particularly on the perimeter.

The Cavs have only shot less than 33.3 percent from the three-point line on six occasions this season, but five of those games have been losses. On the flip side, they’ve shot over 40 percent 17 times and have lost just twice. Their success from the three-point line often translates into success overall, so Utah has no choice by to shut down that aspect of their offense entirely in order to come away victorious.

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