Hoops Habit
Fansided

5 Reasons The Utah Jazz Will Make The 2015-16 NBA Playoffs

By Michael Dunlap

Mar 30, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next

1. They Can Defend Against Anyone

The Jazz led the NBA in points allowed in 2014-15, allowing just 94.9 points per contest. Yes, they did play the league’s slowest pace — but that’s a bit misleading. Their 104.9 defensive rating (14th overall) doesn’t quite do them justice.

Over their last 20 games of the season, they allowed a paltry 91 points per game, which was 2.5 points better than anyone. That No. 14 defensive rating improved to No. 1 (97.1). During that same timeframe, opponents shot just 43.4 percent and were outrebounded by 5.4 per game.

Having a truly dominant big man in Rudy Gobert as their anchor means the guards can pressure the ball more than a team that’s weak in the middle. That extra step is often the difference between getting to the open shooter or not.

Next: Hayward's Path

Home/Utah Jazz