The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers: Keys to a much-needed home win

By Jared Woodcox

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Austin Rivers #25 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz on November 30, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Austin Rivers #25 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz on November 30, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 17: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white) Lou Williams
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 17: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white) Lou Williams /

Key #3 – Contain Lou Williams

In wake of the loss of Chris Paul in an offseason trade, one might assume that the guy leading the Clippers’ charge into the playoffs would be Blake Griffin. He’s definitely been solid, but the player who’s really been impressive for the Clips has been Lou Williams.

Not only does he lead the team in scoring with 23.1 points per game, but he’s been very efficient this year. He’s shooting 45 percent from the field and a career-high 41.2 percent from deep. His effective play has certainly thrust him into the All-Star conversation this year as he’s at times single-handedly kept LA afloat.

https://twitter.com/theScore/status/953147529453035521

Furthermore, he is coming into tonight’s contest against the Jazz extremely hot. In his last six games, Williams is averaging 31.3 points on 47 percent shooting from the field and 43.5 percent from deep on over 10 three-point attempts per game. He’s also just five games removed from a mind-blowing 50-point outpouring against the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

In other words, stopping Williams will be an absolute must for the Utah Jazz. He’s been exceptional all season long and even better during the Clippers’ recent six-game winning streak, so if Utah is to put an end to that run while also getting back on track on their home court, he has to be one of their main areas of focus.

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