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Utah Jazz at Detroit Pistons: Keys to bouncing back from a tough loss

Jared Woodcox|
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 21: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a second half basket with Tobias Harris #34 while playing the Brooklyn Nets at Little Caesars Arena on January 21, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Brooklyn won the game 101-100. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 21: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a second half basket with Tobias Harris #34 while playing the Brooklyn Nets at Little Caesars Arena on January 21, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Brooklyn won the game 101-100. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 21: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a free throw during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 21, 2018 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 21: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a free throw during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 21, 2018 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Key #3 – Shut down Tobias Harris

Although the Pistons have largely turned in a disappointing season so far this year, one player who has definitely stood out has been Tobias Harris who is putting up a career-highs in points (18.1) and three-point percentage (41.4). Harris’ offensive versatility and dynamic playmaking has made him the most deadly weapon on the Detroit roster.

And the Jazz haven’t exactly done a good job of shutting down prolific offensive players of late. Dennis Schroder had his way with the Jazz on Monday. Tim Hardaway Jr. exploded on Utah last Friday in Salt Lake City. And in the three games prior, each of Victor Oladipo, Kemba Walker and John Wall had their way with the Jazz.

If Harris is left unchecked and allowed to have one of his typical high-scoring nights, there’s little hope that Utah will be able to overcome even a middling Pistons team. The difference in Harris’ performance in wins vs. losses has been pretty significant at 20.7 points, 50.7 FG% and 50.4 3PT% in victories and 15.6 points, 40.1 FG% and 31.1 3PT% in defeats.

Therefore, it won’t be easy, but that discrepancy could very well be the key difference-maker for the Jazz. Shut down Harris and they likely shut down the Pistons. Let him go off and it’s almost a certain loss.

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