The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Keys to getting revenge on the Grizz

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 22: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz defends against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 22, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 22: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz defends against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 22, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 9: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz greet on March 9, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 9: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz greet on March 9, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Key #1 – Win the frontcourt battle

Rudy Gobert has had a sensational year thus far as he continues to put up double-doubles with ease and dominate at the rim on both ends of the floor. His frontcourt running mate, Derrick Favors, has looked solid in stretches as well. However, in the first contest against the Memphis Grizzlies, both were outplayed by Memphis’ solid frontcourt duo of Marc Gasol and rookie Jaren Jackson Jr.

Gasol didn’t have the most efficient of nights, but he still was good for 18 points and 13 rebounds while posting a plus/minus of plus-five. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert only got off six shot attempts to put up a measly 11 points and posted a plus/minus of minus-two. The rookie Jackson had ample success over Favors as well as he put up 11 points with some smooth moves in the post. Meanwhile, Favors had just eight points on a forgettable 3-of-11 outing.

In other words, the savvy vet Gasol and the young gun Jackson made light work of Utah’s formidable frontcourt duo. Gasol, who excels at stretching the floor, has always been a tough matchup for Rudy. Nevertheless, if Utah hopes to win on Friday night, they’ll need to reverse this trend. Both Gasol and Jackson will have to be stopped in order for the Jazz to shut Memphis down.

Both frontcourts are talented and important to their team’s overall success, meaning that whoever wins this individual battle could very well win the game.

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