karl anthony-towns

Despite Donovan Mitchell’s heroics, two straight losses leave the Jazz limping back to Vivint Smart Home Arena.

The Utah Jazz went 0-2 during their latest mini road trip in California. Both losses (first to the Sacramento Kings, then to the Los Angeles Clippers) came even though the Jazz led late in the 4th quarter.

Both losses also came despite great play from Utah’s star player Donovan Mitchell. The third-year did everything in his power to make sure his team was at least in the game during crunch time.

Bojan Bogdanovic helped, but ultimately the third scoring option never materialized and the Jazz dropped both close contests.

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What to Look For: Philadelphia 76ers vs Utah Jazz

Joel Embiid (fresh off suspension) vs. Rudy Gobert

Joel Embiid will be rejoining his team after serving a two game suspension for fighting with Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl Anthony-Towns (see The Ringer’s breakdown below).

Normally, this game would be scheduled rest for Embiid, who is infamously scared to play against Rudy Gobert in Salt Lake City. Fortunately (hopefully) for Jazz Nation, the suspension likely means a full-strength Embiid vs Rudy contest.

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Donovan Mitchell vs. (Perennial ROTY Ben Simmons)

We all know about Donovan’s Rookie of the Year snub to a sophomore Ben Simmons. In some ways, this seems like the rivalry that will never die… even though it’s kind of not a real thing.

However, we know there’s not a lot of mutual respect between Mitchell and Simmons, which makes it special every time the two are on the court at the same time.

Here’s to hoping we see a Jazz/76ers matchup in this year’s NBA Finals so this can be a real rivalry once and for all.

PS: Ben Simmons shoots with the wrong hand!!!

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Which Mike Conley shows up for Utah Jazz?

It’s no secret that some who claim to be Jazz fans are already on the Mike Conley hate train. Especially on Utah Jazz Facebook.

For the love of all that is good and decent, let’s give the man some time to get used to the altitude. Six games is nowhere near enough time to write off one of the greatest teammates in the history of the game.

Check JazzFanShow.com to see if my take has changed after 20 games!

That being said, look for the veteran point guard to play a bigger roll in the offense after two days of practicing (three hours per day…) with Quin Snyder.

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Will anyone besides Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic be able to put the ball in the basket?

We’ve seen Conley go off for 29 points once. Other than that, the offense of players not named Donovan or Bojan has been atrocious.

Once again, look for all of this to work itself out in the nice two-day break the Utah Jazz are currently enjoying.

Six hours of practice can go a long way…

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