David Locke here, the host of the daily Locked On Jazz podcast, with your daily Locked On Jazz newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Jazz and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Locked On Jazz
Locked On Jazz
Keyonte George Cold Night on the Side of Everest
Nov 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
|Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Facing Giants: The Utah Jazz’s Rebuilding Journey
In the world of basketball, there are nights when the sheer size and skill of the opposition can be overwhelming. This was evident when the Utah Jazz faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers, featuring the formidable duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Standing on the court, the physical presence of these players was undeniable. James, comparable in size to Karl Malone, and Davis, with his massive build, highlighted the physical disparity between the teams. Despite the Jazz’s efforts, it was clear that they were outmanned and outmatched, a stark reminder of the challenges faced during a rebuilding phase.
Keyonte George’s Resilience
Amidst the challenges, there are glimmers of hope and potential. Keyonte George, a promising young player, demonstrated remarkable resilience. After a tough first half with no points, rebounds, or significant stats, George turned the game around in the third quarter. His performance, especially with his family watching, was a testament to his determination and potential. Despite being benched previously, George’s ability to bounce back and deliver an impressive sequence of plays was inspiring. It was a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and adversity.
The journey to greatness is often likened to a cold night on the side of Everest, where the challenges are immense, and the path is fraught with difficulties. George’s experience was a metaphorical cold night, but his response was encouraging. His physical presence on the court, coupled with moments of brilliance, suggests that he is on the right path to figuring out his role and potential in the NBA.
Offensive Adjustments and Improvements
The Jazz have been making significant strides in their offensive game. Under the guidance of coach Will Hardy, the team has adjusted its strategy, moving from a five-out to a four-out system. This change has led to improved offensive ratings, with the Jazz ranking among the top offenses in recent games. However, the challenge remains in maintaining this momentum from the start of the game. Early deficits have been a recurring issue, and finding a way to ignite the offense in the first half is crucial.
Despite these challenges, the Jazz’s ability to adapt and improve is a positive sign. The team’s offensive rating in the second half of games has been impressive, indicating that the adjustments are taking effect. The focus now is on translating this success to the first half, ensuring a more consistent performance throughout the game.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Utah Jazz’s journey and Keyonte George’s development, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
- The impact of Kyle Filipowski’s early NBA experiences
- Analysis of the Jazz’s recent offensive improvements
- Discussion on whether the NBA missed out on Dalton Connect
- Insights into the Lakers’ strategic changes under J.J. Redick
- A look at the Jazz’s transition defense and areas for growth
The streak had to end sometime. Even the 2015-2016 Warriors only (“only”) got to 24 wins to start their season. Ironically, they’d go on to lose the title to the Cavs that season.
That Cleveland lost to the Celtics, in TD Garden, without Isaac Okoro and with Darius Garland shooting 3-21 — well only the first half of that stings. If Garland made two more of those field goals the Cavs would’ve taken the game, and Okoro, out with an ankle sprain, will be back.
This game was a tester for the Cavs. Beyond a match against the defending champs and a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview, it was an opportunity to see how the team responded to pressure, unfavourable conditions and expectation. NBA basketball is about winning, we all know this refrain well, but that the Cavs scoring dried up in crucial stretches while the team also fell into bad habits of turning the ball over in momentum-leeching moments, and they still managed multiple runs to come back within two, speaks pretty well to this group’s ability to respond.
What makes the Celtics so good, and a bit like a dream-crushing machine, is their ability to capitalize on and invert what usually brings their opponents wins. In the Cavs case, it’s their speed. Not just pure speed without aim, but their ability to push the pace within their offensive possessions because not one player tends to move in isolation from anyone else. Their lightning quick passing, their flashing cuts and counter-cuts, it’s all predicated on ball movement capitalizing on intuitive communication. A sixth sense of understanding where their teammates are on the floor at any given moment.
Boston was able to jam that up. Not entirely upend it, but chase with pace of their own enough that Garland at times appeared to be the pursued and not the pursuer. Where Garland rushed an offensive possession, where he went in for a fastbreak ISO drive to wrest the pace of the game back into his team’s hands, he bungled it. He’d botch an easy layup and go careening past the baseline, having to expend more energy to get back down the floor in the transition already underway. And the more he botched it, the faster he went. The Celtics saw this and upped the pressure on him, taking advantage of forced turnovers by draining three after three and all but eliminating a huge component of what’s made the Cavs so formidable — their rebounding.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis How the Cavaliers’ offseason plan has turned them into the top team in the league so far this year. (ESPN)
Milestone Russell Westbrook becomes the first player in NBA history to record 200 triple-doubles. (CBS Sports)
Must Read The NBA’s three-point revolution has gotten extreme, begging the question: How many is too many?(The Washington Post)
Injury Walker Kessler’s injury details have been revealed, impacting the Utah Jazz’s defensive lineup significantly. Kessler will be out for an extended period, posing challenges for the team’s interior defense. (SLCDunk)
Recap The Utah Jazz fell short against the Los Angeles Lakers, despite a strong effort from Lauri Markkanen. LeBron James led the Lakers to a close victory, highlighting the Jazz’s ongoing struggles. (SLCDunk)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Can Dalton Knecht Keep Up This Run?
Nov 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) react after scoring a three point basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images|Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dalton Knecht has recently become a focal point in NBA fantasy discussions, thanks to his electrifying performances on the court. In a standout game, Knecht scored 37 points, including nine three-pointers, with an impressive 75% shooting accuracy. This remarkable display has fantasy managers buzzing, as Knecht’s shooting streak positions him as a valuable asset in leagues.
Knecht’s Shooting Streak: A Fantasy Goldmine
Over the past four games, Knecht has been on a tear, shooting 22 of 33 from beyond the arc, equating to a 67% success rate. Such efficiency is rare and highlights his potential as a sharpshooter. For fantasy managers, Knecht is a must-add player, especially given his current role in the Lakers’ starting lineup. However, while his shooting spree is impressive, it’s important to manage expectations, as maintaining such a high percentage is challenging over the long term.
Injury Updates and Their Impact on Fantasy Rosters
Knecht’s rise comes at a time when injuries are shaking up NBA rosters. Norman Powell’s hamstring injury, for instance, has left a gap in the Clippers’ lineup. With Powell likely sidelined for at least a week, players like Kris Dunn and Amir Coffey might see increased roles, offering potential value for fantasy managers seeking replacements.
Click the button below to get updates on Zach Edey’s ankle injury, and how Bradley Beal’s calf continues to cause problems for fantasy managers
POSTCAST - Los Angeles Lakers won 6th straight behind Dalton Knecht and LeBron James
Utah Jazz little improvements. How JJ Reddick has transformed the Lakers and Le Bron James
Discover how the Utah Jazz are making strides in transition defense and what it means for their season. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down the team’s recent improvements, focusing on their defensive strategies and the impact of coaching on player performance. With insights into Lauri Markkanen’s shooting challenges and the Jazz’s evolving shot distribution, this episode offers a detailed look at the team’s current dynamics
Will Hardy “You don’t just get to play”
Expectations are high for the Utah Jazz as players navigate the season’s demands. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, discusses the importance of setting standards within the team, focusing on how players like Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson are stepping up. The episode also examines the contributions of young talents such as Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, highlighting their roles in shaping the team’s strategy. Will Hardy’s coaching decisions, including lineup changes and strategic adjustments, are scrutinized as the Jazz aim for growth and effort.
