NBA: Underperformers and overachievers for Week 18
Overachiever: Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are streaking. They’ve won 11 games and counting behind some strong overall team play. Some would argue it has a lot do with rookie Donovan Mitchell‘s production, which is partially true. The other part of the truth is: Utah is 14-2 since Rudy Gobert returned from injury on Jan. 19. Gobert has recorded seven double-doubles during the Jazz’ winning streak.
Mitchell is the first rookie in NBA history to lead his team in scoring during a streak of 11 games, but as the old saying goes: Defense wins championships. They’re not quite a championship-caliber team but the pieces are certainly in place.
Gobert is averaging 2.2 blocks per game during their winning streak. They recently acquired Jae Crowder for some defensive help in the frontcourt. Even without Crowder though, the team defense has been superb.
The Jazz rank second in the NBA in defensive rating (97.7) and first in net rating (+14.6) during their winning streak. They’re the only team next to the Milwaukee Bucks with a defensive rating below 100 in their last 11 games. With a 30-28 record, they are 10th in the Western Conference, but that should change by season’s end.