The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: Pros and cons of the first-round series against OKC

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to pass the ball over Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during their game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 23, 2017 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to pass the ball over Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during their game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 23, 2017 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 12
Next
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with the fans while leaving the court after getting a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 11, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with the fans while leaving the court after getting a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 11, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Cons:

Jazz haven’t won in OKC in nearly eight years

So remember how I said there’s a chance that losing home court advantage could potentially turn into a blessing in disguise? Well that was the glass half full approach. The glass half empty approach is this – the Jazz haven’t won a game in Oklahoma City since October 31, 2010. Yep, you read that correctly, it’s been nearly eight years.

Utah has lost 14 consecutive contests within Chesapeake Energy Arena. In fact, since the Seattle Supersonics moved to Oklahoma City, the Jazz have won just two contests there in all, making for a record of 2-17 all time. That’s a little worrisome, to say the least.

However, while the Thunder are typically nearly indomitable on their home court, this season they went just 27-14, one game worse than the Jazz did at home, which hopefully means that Utah can take advantage. Last season, the Jazz were facing similar historical struggles on the Clippers’ home court (not quite as bad, but still) and they were able to overcome them. With Quin’s crafty coaching and Utah’s resolve, I could see them doing so once again.

Still, Loud City is one of the toughest places to play in the league. Combine that with Utah’s putrid history there and it’s certainly a major reason for concern.

Home/Jazz News