The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Boston Celtics: Keys to spoiling Hayward’s return

By John Keeffer

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 7: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talks with the media after the game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 7, 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 - NOVEMBER 7: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talks with the media after the game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 7, 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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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the New York Knicks on October 20, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the New York Knicks on October 20, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Limit open 3-point shots for the Celtics

This one may sound simple, but at 36.7 attempts a game, the Celtics take the fourth most threes per game in the league. With those attempts, they are making 13 threes per game, which is good for third in the league.

In contrast, the Utah Jazz are tied for third in the NBA at only allowing 27.6 3-point attempts per game.

Like I said, it sounds too simple, but if you can force the Boston Celtics out of their comfort zone by limiting the amount of threes they take and forcing them inside the perimeter. Once they get into the perimeter, good to finishing around the basket with Rudy Gobert protecting the paint. All that this leaves teams is floaters just outside the paint, or the mid-range pull-up.

Next. Utah Jazz to honor Gordon Hayward in game he claims ‘there was no way he’d miss’. dark

Those are the best shots that the Jazz can hope for the Celtics to take, but even then, you have to contest everything with this Celtics team. With capable shooters like Jayson Tatum, the Celtics have a team that can score off of whatever the defense gives them. This will need to be an elite defensive night for the Jazz. Forcing them off the three-point line would be a good start.

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