Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies: Jazz grind out seventh straight win in Memphis

The Utah Jazz defeated the Memphis Grizzlies by a final score of 92-88 in a tough defensive battle en route to their seventh straight win. Here are my instant reactions from Wednesday night’s game.

Ricky Rubio and Rodney Hood led Utah’s offense to just enough points to carry the resurgent Jazz to a tough win over a scrappy Memphis Grizzlies team.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/961443379623084032

Let’s get right into it. Here are a few of my instant reactions from Utah’s seventh straight win…

Ricky Rubio’s continued dominance

Prior to Utah’s current win streak, it was apparent that Ricky Rubio’s play was as directly connected to Utah’s success as any other players.

Rubio’s recent resurgence has further solidified that sentiment. The former Timberwolf has been dominant as of late and has been key to Utah’s seven-game win streak.

Take a look at Rubio’s stats over Utah’s last five games…

After tonight’s win, Rubio attributed his improved play to feeling more comfortable with his new team.

The question that Utah Jazz fans want to know is whether or not this is the true version of Rubio in Quin Snyder’s offense. While the jury is still out on his ceiling with the Jazz, his play as of late has done a lot to relieve many of those concerns.

The calls to “trade Rubio for anything” have quickly transformed into claims that “with Rubio, the Jazz may never lose again”.

While his offensive numbers are what will attract headlines, his stingy defense and on-court leadership have been just as impressive during this stretch.

Sit back. Relax. And enjoy the Ricky Rubio show.

Rodney Hood’s finale?

Rodney Hood has become Utah’s most valuable trade piece as tomorrow’s NBA trade deadline approaches. So not surprisingly, Hood has found himself at the center of dozens of rumored moves.

Earlier today, rumors surfaced that even Hood himself doesn’t expect to be in a Jazz jersey past February 8th’s deadline.

If this was the former 23rd overall pick’s final game as a Jazzman, he left on an impressive night. Hood followed up Monday night’s 30-point performance in New Orleans with an 18-point night off Utah’s bench.

While four of Utah’s five starters finished the night with a negative +/- number, Utah’s bench, led by Hood, was a major reason the Jazz were able to keep their winning streak alive.

Rodney’s restricted free agent status combined with the upcoming free agency market this offseason may be enough to entice the Jazz to make Hood a part of the team’s future (for the record, I am starting to think this is what Utah should do).

However, despite the reasons to consider keeping Hood with so much interest in his services from around the league, it seems likely that tonight was Hood’s finale as a member of the Jazz.

If so, thank you Hoodie and best of luck in your career!

Again, for the record – I wouldn’t be mad if Dennis Lindsey and the Jazz front office decide to keep Hood past tomorrow’s deadline. This may just be recency bias or the sentimental fan in me, but I think Hood still has a place on this roster, especially if he continues to embrace his sixth-man role.

We’ll see what happens tomorrow.

The Jazz are a good team. Period.

Much can be said about the way Utah had been winning games coming into tonight’s matchup in Memphis. Utah entered the game scoring at least 120 points in four straight games and defeating teams by an average of nearly 24 points during that stretch.

Despite the recent offensive dominance, truly great teams can win games in a variety of ways.

Tonight, Utah proved they are indeed a good team.

From the opening tip, Memphis seemed determined to force Utah to play a tough, defensive game. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, Utah’s roster is built to outlast opponents in games like this.

While I would have loved Utah to continue their three-point barrage, it was surprisingly refreshing to see Utah win in a defensive slugfest.

Even after six straight wins, I was skeptical if Utah’s recent play was just another temporary illusion from reality, however, the way Utah won tonight proved to me that Utah is a team to be reckoned with in the West.

Congrats, Quin

If Utah continues to play the way they have, they have a legitimate shot at a playoff spot. If that’s the case, Quin Snyder deserves to be considered as a primary Coach of the Year candidate. (Spoiler: he probably still won’t be).

Snyder has been doing an excellent job with this team lately. When Jazz fans talk about having a bright future built around Gobert and Mitchell, they shouldn’t forget they also have one of the NBA’s best young coaches to guide them.

Congrats on 300, Quin. Here’s to another 300!

What’s next?

The 26-28 Utah Jazz return home (finally) to take on the 23-30 Charlotte Hornets to see if they can make it eight straight wins.

Charlotte has just eight road wins on the season, so the Utah Jazz should be primed to continue their win streak. The Hornets will also be playing their second game of a back-to-back after taking on the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.

Look for a Jazz team with a day of rest to defend home court and make it eight straight wins before a crucial road matchup with Portland on Sunday.

Next: Utah Jazz report card: Who are Utah’s top performers at the 50-game mark?

Follow me on Twitter @TylerDThorpe for more Utah Jazz insights and analysis.