The J-Notes
Fansided

4 of the most important early-season games on the Utah Jazz’s schedule

By Dan Lower

Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of NBA game at Footprint Center on November 26, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of NBA game at Footprint Center on November 26, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Matchup #4 – at Phoenix Suns – October 28, 2023

With the third game of the season, the Jazz face the new-look Phoenix Suns, who underwent quite the roster overhaul in the off-season. The most noteworthy addition is 3-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal, who will pair with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to form a formidable Big 3 in the Valley of the Sun.

The Jazz will need to be at their very best to have a chance at winning this one. Jordan Clarkson and the other guards, in particular, will need to step up and keep Beal and Booker off balance.  Lauri Markkanen and John Collins will need to stay with Kevin Durant.  And Walker Kessler will need to control the glass to keep DeAndre Ayton from having an impact.

The Jazz may have an advantage, however. Phoenix will be completing a 3-game in 5 nights stretch to open the year, after playing at Golden State in their opener; and then traveling down the coast to face the Los Angeles Lakers 2 nights later, before facing the Jazz.

Both of those games are nationally televised as well. If the Suns come into the matchup with the Jazz at 0-2, it would be a golden opportunity for Will Hardy’s squad to land an early uppercut and push the Suns to 0-3 on the season.

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