Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns key matchup: The new guys
The Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns both have new additions that are fitting in quite nicely in Jae Crowder and Elfrid Payton. Which of the two can help their team to a victory and give their squad momentum heading into the All-Star break?
I must admit, I was a little suspect of the Jae Crowder-Rodney Hood deal as the news first broke. But it’s only taken two games for Jae to win over the heart of this die-hard Utah Jazz fan. Meanwhile, Elfrid Payton, acquired by the Suns from Orlando in exchange for a lousy second-round pick, had quite the debut himself.
Crowder’s fit with the Jazz was never in question. He’s a hard-nosed, tough defender that can play multiple positions, stretch the floor and be effective within the means of the system. Something he wasn’t able to do in Cleveland because, quite frankly, they don’t have a system.
Prior to the trade deadline, they had the best player in the NBA and a lot of egotistical guys whoo seem to think they share that honor as well.
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Not to name names or point fingers, Isaiah, but the Cavs seem to have cleansed themselves of their major issues. The Jazz managed to make the most out of this opportunity by bringing in Crowder, who is beginning to show his Boston form already.
No. 99 has impacted his first two games as a Jazzman in a big way and has been an integral part in extending Utah’s win streak. His debut in Portland was impressive — 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal in 29 minutes. Crowder backed that up with another solid outing the following night, scoring 14 points with three rebounds, an assist and a steal.
He has also shown the ability to make the 3-point shot at a good clip, making 6-of-12 shots from deep. More important, however, has been the defensive intensity that he’s brought to the table. It’s something the Jazz were sorely lacking with Joe Johnson in the lineup. Crowder’s ability to get into passing lanes, play physical defense and blow up possessions is a terrific asset to any team.
It’s only been two games, but Crowder looks to be more at home than he ever did as a Cavalier.
Utah Jazz
While Crowder’s first foray into Jazzdom has been nothing short of outstanding, Phoenix’s Elfrid Payton is taking the cake as the best pick up thus far. After struggling to find a rhythm all season in Orlando, the trade may have been just what he needed to start fresh. And in two games with the Suns, he has not disappointed.
Since making his way over to the desert, Payton has had two mammoth performances in succession; averaging 24 points, seven assists and seven rebounds per contest on 19-of-31 from the field. While his shooting numbers are certainly unsustainable, his fit has been tremendous.
Without Devin Booker in the lineup for both games, Payton has had the lion share of the ball-handling responsibilities, to a greater extent than he did with the Magic. What’s so amazing about these breakout games is the fact that he was traded for nothing more than a second-round pick.
Like Crowder, Payton has always played with a chip on his shoulder, but this might be the extra fuel to the fire that takes his game to another level.
Next: Utah Jazz: Hood-Crowder trade looks like a legit win-win
The Jazz are red-hot and are looking to make it 11 straight wins heading into the All-Star break. The odds are certainly in their favor and a lot of signs point to this resulting in a blowout. But it will be interesting to see how the new guys Jae Crowder and Elfrid Payton continue to blend in with their new teams.
Statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference.