The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz at Washington Wizards: Keys to sweeping season series

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on December 4, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home 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 - DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on December 4, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home 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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WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 31: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on December 31, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 31: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on December 31, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Key #3 – Stop Washington’s prolific backcourt

To Washington’s credit, part of the reason why they struggled so greatly against the Utah Jazz last month was because they were without their starting point guard John Wall. Even if he had been present, I still don’t think it would have been enough to hold Utah’s hot hand and suffocating defense in check that night, but there’s no denying that his absence was detrimental for Washington.

But he’s back in action now and, despite a somewhat down year overall, has played pretty great of late. He’s scored 20 points or more in three of his last four outings and had two 25-point, 50 percent shooting outings in recent wins against the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks. Not to mention, Wall’s reputation precedes any downturn his numbers might show this year and he’s obviously a star capable of going off at any time.

Then there’s Bradley Beal who’s been absolutely sensational this season. He’s leading the team in scoring at 23.6 points per game and has been red hot of late. He’s scored at least 20 points in each of his last seven outings including games where he’s gone off for 27, 34 and 39. John Wall recently called him the team’s MVP this season and he’s certainly in the conversation for receiving an All-Star bid.

https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/950832409670508544

Electrifying backcourts such as the one that the Wizards boast have been giving Utah plenty of fits of late and Washington’s is without a doubt one of the best in the league. Therefore, if the Jazz want to have any hope of coming out on top, finding a way to slow the dynamic duo of Beal and Wall will be an absolute must.

They did a fantastic job against Beal the last time he was in Utah as he was held to just 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting and 0-of-4 from deep, but if his recent play is any indication, holding him to a repeat poor performance like that will be a near impossibility. Nevertheless, slowing him in some fashion will still be just as crucial because if either him or Wall is given free reign, they’ll almost assuredly punish the Jazz in devastating fashion.

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