The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz at Charlotte Hornets: Keys to closing road trip on a high note

By Jared Woodcox

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 10: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets yells and celebrates during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 10: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets yells and celebrates during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Key #3 – Control Kemba

In a lot of ways, it’s a shame that a guy that’s as talented and exhilarating as Kemba Walker finds himself on such a disappointing team. This guy goes hard each and every night and tends to play extremely well, but even that’s not enough to will his team to victory on most occasions. Charlotte’s latest loss is perfectly indicative of that. At home against a dismal Dallas Mavericks team, Walker put up an astounding 41 points, but his Hornets still lost by four.

And Kemba has certainly had his way with the Jazz in the past. Just two seasons ago, he went off for a mind-blowing 52-point outpouring as he led his Hornets team to a double overtime win against a more talented Jazz team and he’s played well in nearly every match-up since.

If Walker is left unchecked, it could very well be Utah’s undoing. Although his most recent performance wasn’t enough to push Charlotte over the top, against a team like the Jazz that often struggles to find points, if he’s able to go off, Utah will likely have a hard time discovering an answer.

Kemba’s efficiency is somewhat down this season, but he’s still as dangerous as ever and will have every reason to feel confident against a Jazz team that he’s punished before and that hasn’t done a great job of keeping point guards in check. Despite the win in Washington, Utah allowed point guard John Wall to go off for a season-high 35 points. If the Jazz allow Walker the same long leash, he’ll likely take full advantage and produce a big win for his team.

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