The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Five games to watch during the 2018-19 season

By John Keeffer

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Alec Burks #10, Ricky Rubio #3, and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz stand for the National Anthem before Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Alec Burks #10, Ricky Rubio #3, and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz stand for the National Anthem before Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – DECEMBER 7: Gilberto Hernandez, President of the Mexican Basketball Federation, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver along with Alfredo Castillo, Director of the National Finance and Sports and Culture during a press conference prior to of the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Brooklyn Nets as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2017 on December 7, 2017 at the Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – DECEMBER 7: Gilberto Hernandez, President of the Mexican Basketball Federation, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver along with Alfredo Castillo, Director of the National Finance and Sports and Culture during a press conference prior to of the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Brooklyn Nets as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2017 on December 7, 2017 at the Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

December 15, 2018: Utah Jazz vs. Orlando Magic in Mexico City

For the first time in franchise history, the Jazz will be playing a game in Mexico City. On December 15th, the team will be taking on the Orlando Magic at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in the nation’s capital.

This will be a lot more than just a regular season basketball game for the Jazz. Playing in Mexico City is a big honor, and they will be doing their part to strengthen the NBA’s presence internationally. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has long spoken on his desire to get an NBA franchise playing in Mexico City, and over the last few seasons, having teams play there has been a stepping stone.

Not only will this game be enjoyable due to the international flavor and importance it will have on the league as a whole, but I am actually intrigued to watch the Jazz face off against a young interesting team in the Magic.

Aaron Gordon has always been an exciting player to watch. Not only is he one of the best in-game dunkers in today’s NBA, but he has continued to expand his game as a creator with the ball in his hands, and as a three-point shooter.

Jonathan Isaac was injured for most of his rookie season, but showed really interesting flashes during the Summer League. As a 6’11” small forward, he is definitely intriguing.

We’ll also get our first look at Mo Bamba! I, for one, am extremely excited to see Rudy Gobert and Bamba match up against each other, in what will likely be the largest combine wingspan of any matchup in the history of the NBA.

An interesting side note: This game will be considered a road game for the Utah Jazz, so they will not be losing one of their home games. On top of that, the travel distance to Mexico City from Salt Lake City is actually less than if the Jazz were going to Orlando.

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