National Basketball Association

Utah Jazz Need to Close Out Preseason on a High Note

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Given the hype surrounding the Utah Jazz this summer, the team’s preseason performance to this point has felt mediocre overall. They need to close out the final two games on a high note.

It’s still only the preseason and the Utah Jazz’s most recent loss was largely the result of extended minutes granted to the lowest of their reserves (some of whom were recently cut from the team). Nevertheless, the last-second defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns last week definitely left a bad taste in the mouths of Jazz fans.

Combine that with the earlier news of Gordon Hayward’s broken finger which could result in him missing the first dozen or so games of the season, along with early injury struggles for Derrick Favors, Rodney Hood and the guy who we haven’t even seen on the court yet, Alec Burks, and it’s not hard to imagine why Jazz fans might be feeling a little deflated of late.

Oct 3, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) passes the ball as he drives to the basket on Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the first quarter at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

True, Utah did have some bright moments in their 96-94 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, but with all the hype surrounding the team this summer, they’ve certainly left a lot to be desired so far.

The newcomers haven’t yet taken our breath away as hoped, most recently evidenced by George Hill’s 0-of-8 shooting performance in the loss to the Suns, a game in which he was visibly frustrated on the court. Meanwhile, Boris Diaw and Joe Johnson are still working to find their place as well.

And with such inconsistent starting lineups due to the preseason injury bug, it’s been hard for this team to get any sort of continuity or cohesiveness. While a 2-2 preseason record is nothing to be upset or worried about, it would definitely be nice if the Jazz could put up some stirring performances in their final two preseason games to reignite enthusiasm and excitement for the ever-nearing regular season.

Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (right) loses the ball while attempting a shot defended by Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Utah Jazz won 96-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The next two match-ups won’t be easy as they wrap up their preseason slate against the Clippers on Monday night and against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Both games are in the friendly confines of Vivint Arena where hopefully the Jazz can avoid another free throw marathon loss, like what took place against Phoenix, and give fans something to truly cheer about.

With just two players left to cut to reach the final 15-man roster, there’s a good chance that we’ll see a lot more of the actual starters and key rotation players in these games as the Jazz search for cohesion in their final dress rehearsals leading up to the regular season.

Both of their opponents will likely be teams the Jazz compete with for playoff positioning in the West, which should add extra motivation for Utah to come out firing on all cylinders. The Clippers currently hold a 2-2 preseason record, just like the Jazz, and will likely be looking to close out the preseason on a high note as well as they intend to prove themselves as one of the top dogs in the West this year.

The Trail Blazers, who are going to be a tough divisional opponent, are currently 3-2 in the preseason after a close loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. One of their three wins came over the Jazz earlier in the month.

Oct 3, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) and forward Ed Davis (17) during the third quarter at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Ironically, Utah will face off against Portland once again in a road contest to start off the regular season.

If the Jazz can pull off a win in that final preseason game, not only would it be a huge emotional boost for the fans and team heading into the regular season, but it would help give the Jazz a mental edge as they prepare to turn around and face Portland in a game that actually counts.

Using the excuse of “Oh, it’s only preseason” won’t last much longer, so hopefully the Jazz will resemble more of the team we hoped they would be in these final two contests. While several media pundits still have high expectations for the Jazz, there’s no doubt that fan expectations have been dampened a bit due to mediocre preseason play and renewed injury woes.

So while Monday and Wednesday’s home games against the Clippers and Blazers aren’t that significant in terms of affecting a record or determining future playoff position, they actually do hold some importance.