The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota: Keys to getting a playoff altering win

By John Keeffer

SAN ANTONIO,TX - MARCH 23 : The Utah Jazz stand together during National Anthem at AT&T Center on March 23, 2018 in San Antonio, 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX - MARCH 23 : The Utah Jazz stand together during National Anthem at AT&T Center on March 23, 2018 in San Antonio, 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 28: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates a win after defeating the Atlanta Hawks on March 28, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns (career-high 56 points) set a new Timberwolves franchise record for points in a game, en route to a 126-114 victory over the Hawks tonight in Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 28: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates a win after defeating the Atlanta Hawks on March 28, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns (career-high 56 points) set a new Timberwolves franchise record for points in a game, en route to a 126-114 victory over the Hawks tonight in Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rudy Gobert needs to outplay Karl-Anthony Towns

It has only been four weeks since these two teams last met, and in that meeting, the Jazz were able to convincingly defeat the Timberwolves, and they clearly got under their skin. Both Karl-Anthony Towns and Jeff Teague were ejected from that game, and Utah would go on to win 116-108. Rudy Gobert was dominant in the contest, finishing with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks.

Statistically, it may be one of the most impressive stat lines of Gobert’s career. Meanwhile, Towns would finish with 13 points and four rebounds, in just 20 minutes of play.

The matchup against the Jazz has been the worst outing for Towns since the Jimmy Butler injury. Towns has played at a different level since Butler left the lineup. He is averaging 25.5 points, 13 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 blocks and is shooting 55 percent from three during that 15-game stretch.

To cap it all off, he also dropped a Minnesota franchise record 56 points against the Atlanta Hawks earlier this week.

I can’t imagine any big having that type of game against Rudy Gobert, but recently against the Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs with Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge, it’s been clear that bigs who can consistently hit shots from outside can be a weak spot for Gobert.

In the three games versus the Jazz this season, Towns has averaged 19 points and nine rebounds. Solid numbers, but below his regular season averages of 21 and 12. If they can keep him in that range, they should have a solid chance to win.

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