Remember how the Utah Jazz started the 2014 calendar year? They went 6-6, this after going 7-9 in December 2013. There was reason for hope, with a quality home win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at the middle of it all. Make no mistake about it — the Jazz were never making the playoffs, but it appeared as if progress was being made.
Then, the wheels completely fell off. A two-game home winning streak over the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns brought the Jazz to 21-36. They’ve gone 2-16 since then and have sunk to the bottom of the Western Conference. If you’re cheering for ping-pong balls, you’ve probably loved the last 18 games. If you’re a basketball fan, you’ve probably gone through your fair share of Pepto Bismol. Let’s take a look at the reasons the Jazz have fallen apart, by the numbers.
0 — The amount of games the Jazz have shot over 50 percent in their last 18 appearances. The closest they got was 48.8 percent in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. For the season, the Jazz are 9-1 when they shoot over 50 percent (6-0 at home).
2 — Over their last 10 games, only two players (Derrick Favors and Richard Jefferson) are faring better than their season averages in 50 percent or more of major categories. When 12 of your guys are trending downwards, that’s going to lead to a lot of losses.
8 — The Jazz haven’t eclipsed 100 points in their last eight games. In fact, they have only gone above 90 three times (94, 95 and 96). During that time, they’ve allowed over 100 four times and three of those have been over 114 (114, 116 and 122).
9 — We can’t blame the schedule makers, as nine of the previous 18 games have been against non-playoff teams. During that stretch, the Jazz are 2-7 against those teams…and 0-9 against the playoff squads.
9.9 — Trey Burke‘s efficiency rating over the past 10 games. He’s averaging 11.9 points and 4.8 assists, with a shooting line of .388/.333/.810. Woof. To be fair, the 38.8 percent from the field is better than his season average of 37.8 percent.
50.4 — Over the 18-game stretch, the defense is allowing opponents to shoot 50.4 percent from the field (remember, the Jazz haven’t done it once). They aren’t getting out to the 3-point line, either, as opponents are hitting 42.9 percent of their shots.
91.8 — Average points for the Jazz during the slide, which would be dead last in the NBA if they averaged that for the season. The Jazz aren’t an offensive juggernaut as it is, averaging 94.3 points per game (No. 29 in NBA).
100 — Amount, in percent, of Jazz fans looking forward to ending this season and starting fresh next year with two 2014 first-round draft picks added on.