Utah Jazz: 3 takeaways from the 2017-18 season opener
By Jason Oliver
1. The second unit saves the day
It’s not going to be something the Jazz want to rely on every night, but after a slow start, the second unit proved it could be one of the best in the league this season.
While he may have started the game, Mitchell spent most of his minutes with the bench players. He, along with Ekpe Udoh (+24), Thabo Sefolosha (+25), Joe Johnson (+6) and Alec Burks (+16) all finished with a positive plus/minus, while the only regular starter to break even was Derrick Favors.
Quin Snyder deserves a special mention for his rotations that were perfect when his team had its back against the wall. Udoh and Burks, in particular, provided the Jazz with an intensity that was largely absent to start the game.
Seriously, Udoh turned this game on its head. Hope Rudy was paying attention and can match that intensity the rest of the way.
— THE Jordan Clarkson Appreciator™ (@CowhideGlobe) October 19, 2017
Despite it being the first game of the season and at home, Utah was lethargic until the bench came in and raised the bar. All of a sudden, the defense everyone expected prevailed and the Nuggets had no answers. As soon their hot hands cooled off, they struggled to penetrate the Jazz defense scoring just 13 points in the fourth quarter.
Next: 2017-18 Week 1 NBA Power Rankings
It’s comforting to know that should the starting five start the game on the back foot, the reserves can get them back on track. Hopefully they don’t become too reliant on it, but this won’t be the last time the Jazz bench saves the day.