The J-Notes
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The Utah Jazz need a season changing win… Or loss

By Josh Padmore

MEXICO CITY, MX - DECEMBER 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talks to the media after the game against the Orlando Magic as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2018 on December 15, 2018 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MX - DECEMBER 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talks to the media after the game against the Orlando Magic as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2018 on December 15, 2018 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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A season changing win or loss can completely change a team, usually for the better. The Utah Jazz are in desperate need of one.

Whenever I think of a season changing win, I think back to the 2013-2014 Brooklyn Nets. That’s the year the Nets had the elderly ‘big three’ of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson. They were severely under-performing to begin that season, until January 2nd of 2014.

Former Jazzman Joe Johnson eyes the clock. Behind the back, step back over Serge Ibaka… Bottom. The Nets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in OKC. I remember my friend, who is a Nets fan and writer, tweeted in all caps:

Ed was right. After that win, the Nets turned it around and ended up making it to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, ultimately losing to the Miami Heat.

For the Utah Jazz, they did have a season changing loss last season: in Atlanta. The Jazz lost to the Atlanta Hawks, who were one of the worst teams in the NBA last year, which brought their record to 19-28. As you know, the Jazz then went on to finish the season with 48 wins.

You could say that they had a season changing win, too: in Toronto. It was two games after the season changing loss in Atlanta. Ricky Rubio drilled a game-winning three-pointer against one of the best teams in the NBA. That win gave the Jazz a lot of confidence, which helped them finish the season 29-6 over their final 35 games.

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Given Utah’s tough schedule, a hard-earned win against an elite team could be achievable. The opportunity will be there. As a matter of fact, there’s no time like the present. A win tonight (Wednesday) against the Golden State Warriors could do the trick. If not, the Jazz actually play the Raptors in Toronto on New Year’s Day, kicking off an Eastern Conference road trip.

These games are crucial in the Western Conference. Every win counts. The Jazz will need to get this season changing win – or wake up from a season changing loss – very soon. They can’t keep dropping games and losing momentum if they want to make the playoffs.

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