Utah Jazz: Intensity will be key to fifth straight victory

Cut Down Turnovers

Over the last five games, Utah is 24th in the league for turnover percentage. It was apparent in last night’s game against the Celtics that they could not take care of the ball that well.

In the opening minutes of the game, there were two major unforced errors, specifically passes to the corner that were way off target and went into the stands of the crowd. It’s good that the Jazz are looking to be unselfish with the ball and create open looks from deep, but not if that’s the result.

Donovan Mitchell had three turnovers last night, and Bojan Bogdanovic had five. That’s a big reason why they couldn’t get going last night with their usual 20+ points, is a lack of confidence handling the ball and driving to the lane.

Luckily Mike Conley was able to bail them out with his six made treys, but even Mountain Mike had five turnovers himself.

The Pistons are even worse in the turnover department, ranking 29th in the league over the last five games in turnover percentage. Forcing the Pistons to turnover the ball while limiting giveaways themselves will lead to big runs for the Jazz tonight.

Over the last five games, the Pistons are 10th in the league for steals per game, and the Jazz are 27th. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jazz lose tonight’s battle with turnovers, and as a result let the Pistons stay within striking distance the whole game.

Cleaning up bad passes and slow-footed rotations on offense will be critical in preparation for the NBA playoffs this spring. My final prediction of the score tonight will be a 102 to 93 win for the Utah Jazz.