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Utah Jazz Are Biggest Threat To Golden State Warriors In Western Conference

By Justin Rowan

Nov 15, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and forward Derrick Favors (15) react after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Jazz defeated the Hawks 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and forward Derrick Favors (15) react after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Jazz defeated the Hawks 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) shoots the game winning shot in overtime against Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Utah Jazz 102-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) shoots the game winning shot in overtime against Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Utah Jazz 102-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Length and Defense

Part of the reason why the Utah Jazz were so dominant on defense last season was due to their length. When everybody is healthy, having Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert as the starting frontcourt can cause a lot of issues for teams looking to attack the basket.

One of the Warriors biggest weaknesses that was exposed last playoffs was on the glass. The departure of Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli will only magnify this issue, even with the addition of Zaza Pachullia.

The Jazz were fifth in the NBA in rebound rate and that’s with their starting big men missing a quarter of the season apiece. While it’ll be hard for any team to match the Warriors scoring, the Jazz may be able to get enough boards to help close the gap.

But the interior isn’t the only place where the Jazz have length. George Hill possesses a 6-foot-9 wingspan, which can help disrupt Stephen Curry on the perimeter.

Both Joe Johnson and Hayward have the ability to play either wing position on defense, while Alec Burks (6-foot-6), Rodney Hood (6-foot-8) and Dante Exum (6-foot-6) give the Jazz more long wings coming off the pine.

Having so many long wings that can play multiple positions defensively allows you to play the switching defense necessary to challenge the Warriors.

The Jazz may be able to make the game ugly, similar to what the Cleveland Cavaliers did in the 2015 Finals, only they have a deep roster with proven defenders at every position, rather than seven healthy players.

Limiting possessions, dominating boards and winning their home games could be enough to position themselves for an upset.

Next: Better matchup than other Western teams

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