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Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Keeping the dream alive

Tyler Crandall|
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 24: Tom Thibodeau talks to Nemanja Bjelica #8 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24, 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 24: Tom Thibodeau talks to Nemanja Bjelica #8 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24, 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 23: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena 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)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 23: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena 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)

Key No. 3: Maintain defensive intensity

One thing going in Utah’s favor in the 1-2 record since the 11-game win streak is the defense. Although the Jazz had a poor second half defensively against Houston, they gave Houston one of their worst halves of the season and it may have been the first time the Houston Rockets’ offensive engine truly seemed perplexed.

The Timberwolves are also a strong offensive team, but since they’ll be playing without Jimmy Butler, coming off a back-to-back and facing the best defender in the world in Rudy Gobert (sorry Ekpe Udoh), the Jazz should have no problem maintaining their defensive identity tonight.

The challenge will be hitting all three of these keys. If they do, their chances to win look pretty good.

Next: Utah Jazz: Next 11 games will be vital to playoff hopes

Tip-off is at 8:30pm MST for a nationally televised broadcast.

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