Utah Jazz: (Over)reactions from game one of 2018-19

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SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 11: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz looks to shoot the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the first half of their NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on October 11, 2018 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Slow-mo Joe, the hero this team deserves

But enough doom, gloom and negativity. Let’s wrap this up with one final positive. Although Ingles was one of the starter culprits that had a negative plus/minus and net rating, there’s still no denying that he was phenomenal and led the charge for the Jazz offensively. Much like in the preseason bout against the Toronto Raptors, Ingles was once again the team’s hero, largely keeping them afloat with his hot hand.

Joe cashed in 22 points, just two shy of his regular season career high, on incredible shooting splits of 9-of-12 (75 percent) from the field and 4-of-6 (66.7 percent) from deep. Known largely as 3-point threat, he certainly performed well there, but he was versatile and dangerous in a multitude of ways offensively as well by driving effectively and leading the team with six assists.

It’s extremely early, but between preseason and what we’ve seen thus far, Ingles appears confident and has shown no hesitance whatsoever in pulling the trigger. Factor that in to all his other skills and how he just seems to continue to get better, and I have a feeling we’re easily going to see his best season yet.

Next. Utah Jazz vs. Sacramento Kings: Jazz bench carries team to 1-0 start. dark

As I’ve mentioned throughout this article, one game does not a season make. The Jazz still have 81 regular season contests to prove their worth and show who they really are, whether that means improving on some of the rough things mentioned here or perhaps coming back down to earth with some of the positives.

Nevertheless, while the first game wasn’t exactly a phenomenal outing, especially considering the lackluster opponent Utah was facing, they still figure to be an impressive squad this year. They’ll aim to get solidly back on track and put up a staunch fight against the Golden State Warriors when they host them in their home debut on Friday at 8:30 PM MT in a game that will be televised nationally on ESPN.

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