The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Keys to snapping Clutch City’s streak

By Jared Woodcox

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz share a moment after the game between the two teams on December 18, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz share a moment after the game between the two teams on December 18, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 25: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets is injured during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 25: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets is injured during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

Key #1 – Run the fatigued Rockets ragged

Along with playing on their home court, the main advantage that the Utah Jazz will have in tonight’s bout is that they’re coming into the contest fresh whereas the Rockets are playing in the second night of a back-to-back after facing the Nuggets in Denver last night. Two consecutive games at altitude with travel in between may very well present a challenge for the Rockets, who could find themselves dealing with fatigue by night’s end.

And due to that situation, it will be critical that the Jazz seek to take complete advantage. On offense, Utah needs to push the tempo in an effort to earn some easy points in transition against the presumably heavy legs of the Rockets. On defense, the Jazz need to lock in at the highest of levels and force Houston into an uncomfortable grind where they have to work for each and every shot they take.

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/967963977518125058

Utah’s best chance of winning will be turning the game into somewhat of a slug-fest that forces the Rockets out of their groove and causes exhaustion to step in. Houston’s 12-game winning streak has been impressive, but the second night of a back-to-back in the tough environment of Vivint Smart Home Arena feels like as likely of a spot for it to end as any.

If the Jazz control the pace and are able to get the Rockets out of their game plan and into a cold shooting night, they could very well come out on top. That will certainly be easier said then done, especially to a team like Houston that excels at controlling the tempo and is a solid 5-3 on back ends of back-to-backs, but considering that Utah walloped an elite Golden State team mere weeks ago, it’s entirely a possibility.

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