The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: What from the preseason can we take note of? (Pun intended)

By John Keeffer

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 02: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 2, 2018 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 02: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 2, 2018 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz Dante Exum
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – SEPTEMBER 29: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz drives with the ball in a preseason game against the Perth Wildcats at Vivint Smart Home Arena on September 29, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

The Jazz are going to get out and run

As of right now, the Jazz are leading the entire NBA in points scored per game during the preseason at a whopping 121 points per contest. That is not sustainable. Last season, the Golden State Warriors led the league at 113.5 points per game. The Jazz are not likely to lead the league in scoring, especially after being only the 19th best scoring team last season.

You want to talk me into them being a top 10 offense? I’m all ears. The main reason I can see them jumping up into the upper echelon of offences is due to the faster pace of play in which they are running. Literally, running.

Four seconds. That’s how long it took the Jazz to take the above shot after a miss by the Adelaide 36ers. This has been a reoccurring theme throughout this preseason. The Jazz are going to push the ball hard after opponent misses.

This isn’t going to be the seven seconds or less Phoenix Suns. The Jazz are not going to force unnecessary quick shots, and they will still run their motion offense in the half-court. That said, they will likely increase the pace, which should lead to more points scored per game.

Right now, the Jazz have an offensive pace of 112.23 verses a 97.78 pace of play last season. The highest pace in the league was 102.72 last season. The Jazz are showing this preseason that they are absolutely going to play with more intensity on the offensive side of the ball this year. Expect an increased pace and higher scoring.

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