Utah Jazz: A win over LA Clippers crucial to homecourt hopes
By Ryan Aston
With the Western Conference playoff race still very much undecided, the Utah Jazz need to take care of business at home against the LA Clippers.
Tobias Harris and the Los Angeles Clippers did the Utah Jazz a major solid on Tuesday. By hanging on for a 113-110 win over the San Antonio Spurs, the Jazz gained a game over the latter in the loss column. As a result, the Jazz strengthened their hold on the West’s No. 4 seed, if only temporarily.
However, when the Clippers take the court at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Thursday, don’t expect them to do Utah any favors. Despite the fact that the Jazz are in position to enter postseason play with homecourt advantage, while the Clips are in tenth place in the Conference, both squads are still fighting for their playoff lives.
As of this writing, they’re only separated by three games in the standings. So, a win here is crucial to more than just the Jazz’s homecourt hopes.
That said, getting a win won’t come easy.
While the Clippers have been buoyed throughout the 2017-18 campaign by Lou Williams‘ career season, the addition of Harris to the mix has been a game-changer. Since joining the team ahead of the trade deadline, Harris has averaged nearly 20 points per game. He’s also posted a career-best effective field goal percentage of 55.4.
Along the way, the Clippers have scored nearly 109 points per 100 possessions when he’s been on the floor. Bottom line — he’s an elite offensive player.
Jazz bigs will have to be disciplined in their approach to checking Harris. Strong close-outs, good lateral movement and help defense will be essential to limiting his effectiveness. Against the Spurs, Harris scored 31 points on 11-of-19 from the field. Another effort like that will make life hard for the Jazz.
Stopping Williams, who would get my vote for biggest All-Star snub this season, goes without saying. In a January game between these two teams, Williams notched 31 points and added 10 steals and seven assists.
Fans should be on the lookout for former Jazz draftee Tyrone Wallace, who is back with the Clippers after a strong run with them earlier this season. He’s picked up right where he left off for LA, logging 30 minutes per night and making his presence known on the court.
A couple of months ago, the playoffs seemed a pipe dream for the Jazz. Now, they’re on the cusp of locking up a top-four seed. But to guarantee themselves homecourt advantage in Round 1, they have to win out. The first step in that process is beating the Clippers here.
They’ll get some help in the injury department. Danilo Gallinari (hand), Milos Teodosic (foot), Jawun Evans (groin), Avery Bradley (groin) and Patrick Beverley (knee) are all banged-up. However, as is always the case in the Wild West, the Jazz will have to work for the win.
Next: Jazz-Clips key matchup: DonROY vs Sweet Lou
The Jazz and the Clippers will tip things off at 7 PM MT on Thursday.