Feb 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum watches warm-ups prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Exum is out indefinitely as he rehabs following ACL surgery. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
1) Injuries
Dante Exum won’t play a single minute this season. Alec Burks has missed 34 games (and counting) this season. Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert have both sat out over 15 games this season. When four of your six best players have missed significant time, winnable games are going to be lost.
The Jazz have been hamstrung all season and, due to injuries, have been forced to play some wonky lineups. Chemistry and continuity have taken a hit. Responsibilities have been shifted and the team hasn’t been able to fill the void(s). The result: a 29-33 record going into tomorrow’s game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Favors and Gobert are back, but Burks’ return remains up in the air and the damage to the team’s playoff chances may already be done.
March 5, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>Favors and Gobert are back, but Burks’ return remains up in the air and the damage to the team’s playoff chances may already be done.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">No. 2: Point Guard Play</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_18331" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/files/2014/11/trey-burke-derrick-rose-nba-chicago-bulls-utah-jazz.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-18331"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-18331" src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_472,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Ffiles%2F2014%2F11%2Ftrey-burke-derrick-rose-nba-chicago-bulls-utah-jazz-590x900.jpg" alt="Trey Burke Derrick Rose Utah Jazz Chicago Bulls" width="590" height="472" /></a><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Nov 24, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) defends against Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. Chicago won 97-95. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>2) Point Guard Play</strong></h3>
<p>When Dante Exum went down with a torn ACL last summer, we all knew the Utah Jazz’s point guard depth had suffered a major blow. 62 games into the season and that torn ligament has turned into a black eye for the Utah Jazz.</p>
<p>While showing some nice abilities to distribute the ball and shoot the three, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Raul Neto</a> is having a roller coaster-like season. Outside of his three-point shooting, Neto has struggled to find any real consistency throughout.</p>
<p>At this point, we know who <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burketr01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Trey Burke</a> is–a streaky/volume scorer who can help in stretches. But ultimately, Trey’s an undersized guard, with a lack of explosiveness, who doesn’t shoot consistently and can’t defend.</p>
<p>And while <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/macksh01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shelvin Mack</a> has been a nice addition, he hasn’t been the answer to the Jazz’s problems. Truthfully, he’s the type of player who should be logging 15-20 minutes per night as a backup.</p>
<p>In this era of do-it-all point guards, a trio of Neto, Burke and Mack just isn’t going to cut it. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/walkeke02.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kemba Walker</a>, Damian Lillard, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lowryky01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kyle Lowry</a> and a laundry list of other point guards around the Association have torched the Jazz throughout the season—a direct result of inept defense from the one spot.</p>
<p>Quin Snyder’s motion offense is predicated on keen point guard play and ball movement. When <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/haywago01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Gordon Hayward</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hoodro01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rodney Hood</a> are your team leaders in assists, that offense can’t function the way it needs to.</p>
<p>Moreover, the best lineup the Jazz have been able to trot out this season has been the triple wing—Hayward, Hood and Burks—with Burks manning the point guard duties. This lineup hasn’t been seen since Alec broke his leg, but think about it for a second–the Jazz’s best lineup is one that DOESN’T INCLUDE A POINT GUARD.</p>
<p>Yikes.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">No. 3: Lack of Depth</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_42794" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/files/2015/09/richard-jefferson-joe-ingles-nba-dallas-mavericks-utah-jazz.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-42794"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-42794" src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_442,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Ffiles%2F2015%2F09%2Frichard-jefferson-joe-ingles-nba-dallas-mavericks-utah-jazz-590x900.jpg" alt="Utah Jazz Dallas Mavericks Richard Jefferson Joe Ingles" width="590" height="442" /></a><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Apr 13, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) dribbles the ball as Dallas Mavericks forward Richard Jefferson (24) defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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<h3><strong>3) Lack of Depth</strong></h3>
<p>This directly coincides with injuries, but still, the Jazz are not a deep team.</p>
<p>That’s the exact opposite of the way the league is trending. Take a look at the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers. All are considered title contenders and each team has an incredible amount of depth. It allows for their stars to get much-needed rest, while also distributing the responsibilities of winning games more evenly throughout the team.</p>
<p>With that, I’ve felt terrible for Gordon Hayward all season. Due to the lack of depth and injuries, he’s been shouldering an incredibly unfair load. He’s also been ripped to shreds by Jazz Nation, even while putting All-Star numbers. Let’s put a stop to that pronto.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the point I’m trying to make is that any team that is forced to play <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/witheje01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jeff Withey</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/booketr01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Trevor Booker</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/inglejo01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Joe Ingles</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsch04.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chris Johnson</a> significant minutes isn’t a playoff team.</p>
<p>Just take a look at this tweet. Without the core four (Gobert, Hayward, Hood and Favors) on the floor, the numbers are…. not good.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Per Locke:<br />When all 4 of Hay/Fav/Gob/Hood on floor = +8<br />When 3 of 4 = +6<br />2 or less = -14<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/UTAatMEM?src=hash%22>#UTAatMEM</a></p>
<p>— Jedi & Jerms (@jediandjerms) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/jediandjerms/status/705933514034688000">March 5, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>Silver lining: At least it’s painfully obvious what Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey needs to do this upcoming offseason.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">No.4: An Abysmal Bench</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_44535" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/01/chris-johnson-gerald-green-nba-miami-heat-utah-jazz.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-44535"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-44535" src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_442,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F01%2Fchris-johnson-gerald-green-nba-miami-heat-utah-jazz-590x900.jpg" alt="Chris Johnson Utah Jazz Miami Heat" width="590" height="442" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/01/chris-johnson-gerald-green-nba-miami-heat-utah-jazz-590x900.jpg 590w, https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/01/chris-johnson-gerald-green-nba-miami-heat-utah-jazz-300x600.jpg 300w, https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/01/chris-johnson-gerald-green-nba-miami-heat-utah-jazz-768x0.jpg 768w, https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/01/chris-johnson-gerald-green-nba-miami-heat-utah-jazz.jpg 850w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px" /></a><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Jan 9, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Miami Heat forward Gerald Green (14) defends against Utah Jazz forward Chris Johnson (23) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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<h3><strong>4) An Abysmal Bench</strong></h3>
<p>There’s a theme here: Injuries = lack of depth and a lack of depth = a weak bench unit.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>There was an interesting stat that Jazz TV announcer Craig Bolerjack mentioned during Saturday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Jazz have won the first quarter in each of the last nine games. The starting unit has been playing very well and creating something special.</p>
<p>It’s when the bench comes in that the dumpster fire is ignited—once again, go back and read that earlier tweet on the subject. To put this into perspective, the Jazz’s bench is DEAD LAST in the league in scoring.</p>
<p>The second quarter, along with the end of the third quarter when the bench unit is on the floor, has been tough sledding for the Jazz. In seemingly every game, a lead is squandered and the starters are sent back in to clean up the mess. It happened against San Antonio. It happened against Boston.</p>
<p>It happened against Toronto. It happened against Memphis. Hell, it happened against New Orleans. The Jazz were merely fortunate that the starting unit (mainly Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward) played well enough to get the win.</p>
<p>There’s a certain amount of talent needed in order to win in the NBA. With the Jazz’s roster the way it is, they don’t have that talent. It’s naive and neglectful to think otherwise or to think that the Jazz can stay put and expect things to miraculously change.</p>
<p>When your bench isn’t reliable and the best thing about it <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://vine.co/v/iKPZtgJxDd5" target="_blank">is the celebrations</a>, you’re not a playoff team.</p>
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<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/03/raul-neto-nba-milwaukee-bucks-utah-jazz.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-45507"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-45507" src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_407,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F03%2Fraul-neto-nba-milwaukee-bucks-utah-jazz-812x560.jpg" alt="Raul Neto Utah Jazz youth" width="590" height="407" /></a><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Feb 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) passes the ball during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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</div>
<h3><strong>5) Youth and Inexperience</strong></h3>
<p>Earlier this season, when Derrick Favors was out with his back injury, it dawned on me just how young and inexperienced the Utah Jazz really are.</p>
<p>The starting unit went as follows:<br />
PG: Raul Neto (rookie)<br />
SG: Rodney Hood (second-year player in his first year in a starting role)<br />
SF: Gordon Hayward (only player in the lineup with multiple years as a starter)<br />
PF: <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lylestr01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Trey Lyles</a> (rookie)<br />
C: Rudy Gobert (third-year player in his first year in a starting role)</p>
<p>The Utah Jazz are a very young team. It’s not an excuse, it’s reality. And with youth comes stubbed toes.</p>
<p>Hood and Gobert are experiencing, for the first time, the rigors of playing starting minutes throughout an 82-game season. Lyles and Neto have been asked to play major minutes without having any experience to rely on. That’s a lot of learning on the fly and it helps explain why the Jazz have struggled so much throughout the season.</p>
<p>You can’t expect mastery when you’ve never done something before.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">No. 6: Lack of Toughness</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_45509" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/03/trey-burke-lance-stephenson-nba-utah-jazz-memphis-grizzlies.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-45509"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-45509" src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F03%2Ftrey-burke-lance-stephenson-nba-utah-jazz-memphis-grizzlies-850x560.jpg" alt="Lance Stephenson Memphis Grizzlies Utah Jazz Trey Burke" width="590" height="389" /></a><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Mar 4, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Lance Stephenson (1) drives against Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Utah 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports</p>
</div>
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<h3><strong>6) Lack of Toughness</strong></h3>
<p>Jazz radio commentator David Locke had an interesting tweet recently concerning the team’s ability (or lack thereof) to gut it out in the clutch–</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">20 of the Jazz 31 losses were games that were within 5 points with 5 minutes left.</p>
<p>— David Locke (@Lockedonsports) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/704501564912902144">March 1, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>*Make that 21 of 33 losses.</p>
<p>I’ve<strong> </strong>written about this <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/2014/12/06/quin-snyders-jazz-lack-toughness/" target="_blank">ad nauseam</a>, yet here we are. Time and time again, the Utah Jazz face get punched in the mouth and the result is another check in the loss column. That and they simply can’t close games.</p>
<p>This is due to a lack of killer instinct—a blood relative to both physical and mental toughness. If the Jazz want to finally get over the hump and become a perennial contender, they’ve got to learn how to punch back and win close games.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">No. 7: No Closer</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_44181" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/files/2015/11/gordon-hayward-kevin-durant-nba-oklahoma-city-thunder-utah-jazz.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-44181"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-44181" src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_472,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Ffiles%2F2015%2F11%2Fgordon-hayward-kevin-durant-nba-oklahoma-city-thunder-utah-jazz-590x900.jpg" alt="Kevin Durant Gordon Hayward Oklahoma City Thunder Utah Jazz" width="590" height="472" /></a><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Nov 23, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) defends during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Oklahoma City won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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<h3><strong>7) No Closer </strong></h3>
<p>The Utah Jazz close about as well as a 24 Hour Fitness. Part of this is a lack of toughness. Another part is a lack of personnel.</p>
<p>Earlier this season, it seemed like Alec Burks was taking over this role. His playmaking, scoring and ability to draw fouls all seemed tailored for late-game situations. That quite literally came crashing down when he broke his leg. And while Rodney Hood and Gordon Hayward have had some clutch moments, neither player has shown that they can do it game-in and game-out.</p>
<p>So who’s the closer? Is it Gordon? Is it Rodney? Is it Derrick? Is it Alec when he gets back? As presently constructed, it doesn’t appear that the Jazz have that one guy they can throw the ball to and ask to get four-to-ten points with the game on the line.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mavs are going to make the playoffs because the Jazz can't close out</p>
<p>— Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/KirkSeriousFace/status/706292854293962752">March 6, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>The NBA is a star-driven league. A big reason why is that there are only a few players who have the ability to be relied on when games get tight and big buckets are necessary—<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/curryst01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Stephen Curry</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duranke01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kevin Durant</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lillada01.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Damian Lillard</a> come to mind.</p>
<p>The Jazz don’t have that big-name, reliable star on their roster right now. Derrick and Gordon are on their way, but they’re not there yet. And sometimes the win by committee thing doesn’t go as planned.</p>
<p>Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise that a team that lacks a closer has such a hard time closing games.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">No. 8: Schedule</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_45510" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/03/trey-burke-stephen-curry-nba-utah-jazz-golden-state-warriors.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-45510"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-45510" src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F03%2Ftrey-burke-stephen-curry-nba-utah-jazz-golden-state-warriors-850x560.jpg" alt="Utah Jazz Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors Derrick Favors" width="590" height="389" /></a><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">December 23, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) and forward Trey Lyles (41) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 103-85. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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<h3><strong>8) Schedule</strong></h3>
<p>With how the Jazz have been playing since the All-Star break, it doesn’t seem like any game is a guarantee. We can take the home loss to the Brooklyn Nets as a firm example.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This post-allstar-break schedule for <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/UtahJazz?src=hash%22>#UtahJazz</a> is a bit more challenging than the last. They need the beat the teams vying for same spots</p>
<p>— brettm73 (@brettm73) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/brettm73/status/700566598231453697">February 19, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>In the next few weeks, the Jazz have to face the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder. I’m going to go ahead and chalk all of those games up as losses.</p>
<p>Furthermore, games against the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls are far from gimmes. If the Jazz want to have any chance of sniffing the postseason, they’re going to have to win the majority of these 50/50 games.</p>
<p>Fortunately, the schedule eases up in April, with a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and multiple games against the cellar-dwelling Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. However, games against the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio could throw a wrench into any sort of winning streak.</p>
<p>Even with the ease in scheduling, will the Jazz already be too far behind in the standings, thus putting the nail in the playoff coffin? Due to recent play, I have to say yes.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">No. 9: The Jazz Don't Win on the Road</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_45365" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/02/jae-crowder-nba-utah-jazz-boston-celtics.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-45365"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-45365" src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2Fjae-crowder-nba-utah-jazz-boston-celtics-850x560.jpg" alt="Jae Crowder Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward Utah Jazz" width="590" height="389" /></a><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Feb 29, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) celebrates against the Utah Jazz during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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<h3><strong>9) The Jazz Don’t Win on the Road</strong></h3>
<p>The Utah Jazz have just 10 road wins this season. T-E-N. That’s two more than the Milwaukee Bucks and the same amount as the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks. Notice anything? NONE OF THOSE TEAMS ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PLAYOFFS.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>Every playoff team in both the Eastern and Western Conference has at least 11 (14 if you exclude the Chicago Bulls). The Jazz’s road record simply isn’t enough to get it done.</p>
<p>If the Jazz want to make the playoffs, they’re going to have to take their show on the road and rack up some more W’s.</p>
<p>As of this writing, the Jazz have 10 road games remaining. If they continue at their current road winning percentage, we’ll be looking at a 3-7 record in those games. The Jazz will need to steal a couple more wins than that if they hope to sneak into the playoffs.</p>
<p>Based on their track record, I wouldn’t be putting any money on their ability to do so.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">No. 10: Turnovers</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_45123" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://thejnotes.com/files/2016/02/shelvin-mack-mason-plumlee-nba-utah-jazz-portland-trail-blazers-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-45123"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-45123" src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2Fshelvin-mack-mason-plumlee-nba-utah-jazz-portland-trail-blazers-1-850x560.jpg" alt="Shelvin Mack Utah Jazz" width="590" height="389" /></a><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Feb 21, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) and Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) go for a loose ball in the second half at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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<h3><strong>10) Turnovers</strong></h3>
<p>Turnovers have been a thorn in the Jazz’s side all year. A lot of it can be attributed to the point guards, while another fraction is due to sloppy, lazy play.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Jazz have also perfected the art of turnovers-to-touchdowns. That's not good</p>
<p>— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/Tjonessltrib/status/705191684192141312">March 3, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>Currently, the Jazz rank 24th out of 30 teams in turnovers. They cough up the ball just over 14 times per game. That puts them right above the Brooklyn Nets (wow, another lottery-bound team).</p>
<p>Throughout the last month, the Jazz’s offense and turnover rate have hit a new low.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Over the last month, Utah is 28th in points per possession, 29th in turnover rate. Yucky.</p>
<p>— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/ZachLowe_NBA/status/707564528272285696">March 9, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2016/03/07/10-reasons-why-the-utah-jazz-wont-make-the-playoffs/2/"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>These turnovers lead to transition offense and easy buckets for opposing teams. Just think of all the times the Jazz have lost close games. How many of those losses are a direct result of not taking care of the ball?</p>
<p>If they continue cough up the rock like this, we can expect the same results going forward; frustrating loss after frustrating loss.</p>
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