Subscribe
Follow Us
As things heat up in the wild, wild west — the team with the most momentum heading into the break isn't the defending champion Golden State Warriors, or the red-hot Houston Rockets, but a team out of the playoffs as it stands — the Utah Jazz, winners of 10 straight games.
With a healthy new roster, and a sneaky-good addition in Jae Crowder, the Jazz are now looking to break into a very competitive playoff picture, sitting only a game-and-a-half away from the New Orleans Pelicans and the eighth spot.
For centerpiece Rudy Gobert, this roster is sure to get the job done.
Article Continues Below“No doubt, we’re definitely making the playoffs,” said Gobert, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
The 7-foot-1 big man has loved the development of rookie Donovan Mitchell into one of the most feared scorers in only his first season in the league, as well as the team's developing confidence, chemistry, and the three-and-D build that they have put forward when constructing this roster.
For those questioning if this is merely a unicorn run through soft clouds, the Jazz have taken out some big names during this 10-game run, including the first-place Toronto Raptors, the owners of the best overall record in the Warriors, the Pelicans, and the San Antonio Spurs twice within two weeks.
Crowder has brought on a much-needed toughness at the defensive end, as well as shot-making from behind the arc in his two games with the team.
The departure of Rodney Hood has opened up shot opportunities for swingman Joe Ingles, who has trotted out three straight 20-plus-point games, thanks to the increased playing time.
If the Jazz can keep up this torrid pace, they will undoubtedly threaten for the last few spots in a very competitive Western Conference, take Gobert's word for it.
