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Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets reaction: Twitter tells all

Tyler Crandall|
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 10: Trey Lyles #7 of the Denver Nuggets is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 10, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 10: Trey Lyles #7 of the Denver Nuggets is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 10, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The Utah Jazz lost to the division rival Denver Nuggets with a deceptive final score of 99-91. Former Jazzman Trey Lyles posted a career-high 26 points.

We’re past the point of concern for the Utah Jazz this season. At this point, it is probably time to start focusing on next season rather than think about playoff hopes for this season.
One of the more depressing statistics of the season thus far is the road performance. The Jazz are now just ahead of the Atlanta Hawks for worst road record in the NBA at 3-16. Atlanta is only slightly worse at 3-17 on the road.

The game against Denver was no exception as the road woes continued. After the first half, it looked like Utah had a chance to improve their road record and led by three, but in the third quarter, all the wheels came off in what’s been a continuing and concerning trend of 3rd quarter performance woes.

We’ve talked before about how the Jazz are one of the best defensive teams at home and the third worst on the road. Well, home or away, the Jazz are the 29th best defense in the NBA during the third quarter.

So, rather than analyze to death in what’s basically another road loss where the same issues have been present, namely slow second half starts and lack of focus and intensity, I wanted to tell the story through the eyes of Twitter.

Donovan Mitchell, passer extraordinaire

Highlights first, commentary afterward. Sadly, there would be more highlights if more open looks had fallen.

Next, notice the timestamps on these tweets. These are NOT all about a single incredible play, but rather a demonstration of insane passing ability and vision that was showcased all night.

Unfortunately, Mitchell ended with only five assists in what could have been double digit assists.

KSL’s Andy Larsen may be right. Donovan Mitchell looks like a point guard. Personally, I believe in a future position-less NBA. Look at how James Harden and Chris Paul, both “point guards”, have played alongside each other. When you have a complete player who has scoring, playmaking, passing, vision, etc, position doesn’t matter.

Dante Exum and Donovan Mitchell should certainly be able to both play in the backcourt and utilize their skill sets, without any concern about who is “point guard”.

Wheels come off

Starting at halftime where the Jazz held a lead, I’m going to show these tweets chronologically. It will become pretty clear when things start to fall apart.

Special shoutout to Trey Lyles, who dominated his former team all night long.

All in all, this was a disastrous game in what is looking like a pretty bad first half of a season. All that said, while playoff hopes are dwindling, crazier things have happened. With Rudy’s return, some crazy moves that may just happen at the trade deadline, and an easier schedule through February and March, they may just turn things around.

Rudy assures us all will be well. Maybe we should trust him.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/949516407359733761

Next: Rudy Gobert claims Utah Jazz ‘will be fine’

Regardless, Donovan and Rudy are our future. Let’s enjoy Donovan Mitchell’s emergence and savor the ride, as frustrating and discouraging as it may be.

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