The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Golden State Warriors: Keys to a W over the Dubs

By Jared Woodcox

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 27: Omri Casspi #18 of the Golden State Warriors looks to shoot against Thabo Sefolosha #22 and Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz at ORACLE Arena on December 27, 2017 in Oakland, 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. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 27: Omri Casspi #18 of the Golden State Warriors looks to shoot against Thabo Sefolosha #22 and Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz at ORACLE Arena on December 27, 2017 in Oakland, 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. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 18: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after defeating Los Angeles Lakers, 116-114, in overtime at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 18: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after defeating Los Angeles Lakers, 116-114, in overtime at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Key #3 – Force someone besides Curry/Durant/Thompson to beat you

When playing the Golden State Warriors, it’s always a ‘pick your poison’ type of approach. If you focus all your attention on Kevin Durant, fellow former MVP Steph Curry is sure to take control. Try to slow Steph, and Durant will dominate. Maybe they’re both having an off-night? Well then there’s always Klay Thompson who’s capable of going off at any moment. It’s a near impossible conundrum.

One look at their stats is enough to know how challenging of a trio they are to stop. Curry is averaging 28.1 points per game on 49.8 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent from deep. Durant is at 25.8 points per game on 50.8 percent shooting from the field and 41.5 percent from deep. Meanwhile, Thompson is at 20.2 points per game on 48.5 percent from the field and a mind-blowing 45.4 percent from behind the arc.

No matter what you do, one or more of those three are going to find a way to score. It’s almost inevitable. However, if the Jazz are able to find a way to force those three into inefficient nights, or better yet, force them to give up the ball and make someone else on the team convert, it could very well lead to victory.

Sure, Golden State’s fourth leading scorer Draymond Green is no pushover. He stuffs the stat sheet night in and night out and whether he’s scoring or not, he’s always a threat in some way, shape, or form. However, he’s also shooting just 30.9 percent from deep, so, as an example, if a Warriors possession ends in a Draymond Green hoisted three, that’s a pretty dang good defensive stand.

In other words, the Jazz need to do everything they can to force the ball into the hands of the “others” on this Golden State team. Force the bench to be the ones that execute. Make Golden State’s stars give up the ball. Put them in situations where it will be tough to convert.

All of that is much, much, MUCH easier said than done and the scary thing about Golden State is that they’re so deep and so talented, that everybody up and down their roster can fill it up if given the opportunity. Still, at least when players outside of Curry, Durant and Thompson are trying to shoulder an immense load, your chances of victory are significantly higher than when those three are allowed to take over.

There’s no way the Jazz will be able to stop that three-headed dragon every single possession, but if they can force them all into somewhat of a funk throughout the game as best as possible, it will be about their only chance of coming out on top.

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