Toronto Raptors: Three keys to a win against the Utah Jazz
On the second night of a back-to-back and their third game in four days, the Toronto Raptors will have their hands full against the Utah Jazz. Here are the three keys to victory.
Winning against a talented Utah Jazz team was never going to be easy. On the road, for the third time in four nights, will make it even more difficult. Still, this Toronto Raptors team has proven it is more than capable of picking up a challenging victory.
The Jazz will be without their young star, Donovan Mitchell. The second-year shooting guard will miss Tuesday’s contest while still recovering from a sprained ankle.
The Raptors are dealing with some health concerns of their own, as Kawhi Leonard is currently listed as a game-time decision. However, Leonard’s possible absence seems like a result of over-caution, rather than significant injury.
Regardless of whether Kawhi plays or not, here are the three keys to a Toronto Raptors victory.
1. Execute in the half-court
The Utah Jazz do not allow opponents to score in transition. Last season they finished first in the NBA in opponent fast-break points allowed. This season they currently rank third. Utah is incredibly disciplined in getting back on defense, even at the detriment of the offensive glass.
This will force Toronto to execute offensively in the half-court. Unfortunately for Toronto, Utah is very talented in the half-court as well. This season has gotten off to a rocky start, but last year they led the NBA in defensive efficiency.
Utah plays an ultra-conservative drop-style which forces everything into Rudy Gobert. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is the best rim-protector in the league and is one of the NBA’s most overlooked superstars.
2. Keep the bench minutes close
The Raptors bench has been bad all season. The Utah Jazz are one of the deepest teams in the NBA. If Toronto can stay even during the bench-heavy minutes, it should be enough for them to earn a victory.
Utah has 4-5 starter-quality wings and different defensive options to play on a nightly basis. Jae Crowder, Alec Burks, Dante Exum, and Royce O’Neale all can make a significant impact on any given night. Rookie Grayson Allen seems to be fitting in nicely as well. A few more months and he might be added to that group.
3. Don’t help off
The Utah Jazz are a great team. Their biggest weakness is a lack of players who can demand a double-team offensively.
Typically, Donavon Mitchell is the only player who consistently commands the defenses’ attention. With Mitchell out of the game, Utah will try to create offense through screens and relentless motion.
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Toronto has good enough defenders to match up individually. As long as they stay engaged to their man and prevent over-helping, the Raptors should have no problems defensively.