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Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Keys to picking the win streak right back up

By Jared Woodcox

PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 11: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on February 11, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 11: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on February 11, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz gives a interview to the press prior to his Strikes for Kids Bowling event at Fat Cats Entertainment Center on February 21, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) Donovan Mitchell
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz gives a interview to the press prior to his Strikes for Kids Bowling event at Fat Cats Entertainment Center on February 21, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) Donovan Mitchell /

Key #1 – Avoid a post-break hangover

Following a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Hawks back on January 22nd, the Jazz looked every bit defeated with little hope for a return to form this season. However, rather than roll over, they instead began delivering their best basketball of the year which led to them rattling off an amazing 11-game win streak.

Unfortunately, that momentum was cut short by the arrival of the All-Star break. While the Jazz certainly needed the rest it provided, there’s also some valid reason for concern that the time away from teammates and the court could very well result in some cohesion issues when they reunite for their first game back tonight.

Nevertheless, it will be vital that the Jazz dig deep and rediscover that energy and intensity that they displayed all throughout their win streak leading up to the break and play with it tonight. The Blazers have played the Jazz tough in both contests and if the Jazz come out flat-footed or complacent after a long stint off, they’ll likely get quickly taken advantage of by Portland.

The good news is that the Blazers are also coming off of the All-Star break for this game, so they may have some of those concerns themselves. It could be even more difficult for them as they’re having to readjust on the road within the perilous confines of Vivint Smart Home Arena, so the Jazz should have a nice edge in that respect.

The mental aspect of this game will surely play a large part, so the Jazz need to jump right back into their previous groove and avoid any semblance of a post-break hangover if they hope to come out on top tonight.

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