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SALT LAKE CITY — Joe Ingles again flashed his Swiss Army knife-like set of skills for the Jazz on opening night.
Ingles started in 26 games for the Jazz last season and played in all 82 games. He was in the starting lineup Wednesday night. In the first half, Ingles was extremely efficient at finding open spots on the floor for himself and getting his fellow teammates great shots. But that’s nothing new for Ingles, who has shown he is equally as good with the ball in his hands as he was without it. Ingles operates well within his space on the floor.
Last season, Ingles finished in the top three in 3-point shooting percentage (44%) and shot 3-5 from behind the arc last night. Ingles was left alone a few times by the Denver Nuggets defense—who ranked 29th in the NBA in defensive rating last year—and he made them pay from downtown. For example, look at where Ingles gets the ball in these plays and how unguardable he seems to be to the Nuggets. Same spot, different results.
Whether it’s in transition or in the half court, Ingles can find his spot and make the right play.
Ingles’ playmaking ability is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. He was extremely effective when running the pick and roll with Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert near the elbow. Ingles was second on the team with six assists, all of which were plays that either Favors or Gobert scored within five feet of the hoop.
Overall, Ingles finished with 11 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and zero turnovers. The fact that Ingles was so careful with the ball, while still finding his teammates for easy buckets, is what the Jazz need from Ingles. The Jazz offense isn’t going to blow anyone away, so limiting turnovers and taking advantage of each offensive possession is crucial. Ingles’ two steals were tied for the team lead with Thabo Sefolosha and Ricky Rubio, both of whom are known as defensive assets.
With Ingles now in the starting lineup alongside Rubio, the Jazz offense can rely on these two to make crisp passes and create shots for others. The duo combined for 16 of the 28 total assists. This was just the opening game, but Ingles’ sustained versatility gives Jazz fans something to keep an eye on for the rest of the season.
