Instant observations on a Jazz loss to Washington


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WASHINGTON — The Utah Jazz opened a six-game road trip in a familiar way Sunday.

After losing 9-of-10 games prior to the annual pre-Christmas roadie, Utah opened the trip with a 93-84 loss to the Washington Wizards.

As usual, the Jazz had one bad quarter that undermined the entire game. Utah won the first quarter, 24-22, and the second quarter, 18-15. However, a 30-16 third quarter gave Washington a double-digit lead heading into the fourth quarter, which the Jazz tied with the Wizards, 26-26.

While Utah played well for most of the game, a few instant observations underscored the loss.

The Jazz missed Derrick Favors -------------------------------

Without Favors, who was questionable with an ankle sprain, Utah struggled to keep Washington’s guards from penetrating to the hoop. Rudy Gobert was inserted into the lineup, and contributed seven points and nine rebounds. For the record, Favors is averaging 15.6 points a game for Utah.

With Gobert in the paint, it isn’t that he isn’t a defensive force, as he contributed three blocks. However, his body frame doesn’t eat up space like Favors. Gobert is an effective weak-side defender who rotates over to get blocks. Strong side, he still needs to improve.

Bench production was lacking

With Favors out, Utah’s bench was already depleted. However, the Jazz were outscored 33-17 by the Wizards' bench. Washington had two double-digit scorers off the bench, including 10 points from Utah alum Andre Miller. Utah’s highest bench scorer was Trevor Booker, who played extended minutes with Favors’ absence.

Utah physical on offense

In spite of Favors being out, Utah played offense physically, shooting 28 foul shots. But missing nine of them, and then losing by nine, doesn’t actually engender confidence.

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Jon Oglesby

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