The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers: Keys to first win of 2019

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket in front of Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of the 104-101 win by the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 30, 2017 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket in front of Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of the 104-101 win by the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 30, 2017 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 16: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives down the court during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 16, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers 128-105. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 16: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives down the court during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 16, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers 128-105. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Key #1 – Watch out for vengeful ex-teammates

At 8-29 on the season as of this writing, the woeful Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t considered a fun watch by all that many spectators. With wins coming few and far between, the word enjoyable isn’t the first I would use to describe the reigning Eastern Conference champions who are now a shell of their former selves after losing the best player in the game this past summer.

Even so, for Jazz fans this team is somewhat entertaining to watch due to the fact that two former beloved Jazzmen now suit up for the wine and gold. The two I’m speaking of, of course, are Rodney Hood and Alec Burks. While both had shortcomings that ultimately led to the Jazz trading them, there’s no questioning that both had great moments that won over the hearts of their former fanbase.

Now, however, they’ll be viewed as the enemy in this upcoming bout. And considering that the Jazz were willing to move on from them so easily, it’s entirely possible that there may be some hard feelings and a desire to show up their former teammates. As such, Utah’s first key to victory will be to be aware of both Hood and Burks and hold them in check.

Both of them have put up decent numbers during their time with the Cavaliers, as Hood has contributed 12.9 points per game this season on respectable splits of 44.4 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from deep whereas Burks has posted 11.2 points per game, albeit on less encouraging efficiency.

Still, both can be dangerous when put in the right situation, and in facing their former teammates that they know so well, they may be out for revenge and able to do just that. It will be vital that the Jazz stop them dead in their tracks if they hope to arise victorious. It should be noted that current Jazzmen Jae Crowder and Kyle Korver who were involved in both those trades may have reason to stick it to their former team as well, so those dynamics will be exciting ones to watch.

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