EMPTYING THE NOGGIN

SUMMARY:  Utah Jazz remarkable play continues as a confident connected team dominated the New Orleans Pelicans 133-109

• The Jazz started rolling early tonight and never let off the gas. The Jazz have not only won 6 straight games they have not blinked for a long time.  They played a very strong 24 minutes in the 2^nd half at Toronto, put together a nearly perfect 48 minutes against Golden State and haven’t let off the gas yet.   The Jazz have played 216 minutes without losing focus.   That is stunning.

• Over the last 4 games the Jazz have won by a total of 95 points.

• The shooting is out of this world right now (not sustainable). They were 14 of 21 from three tonight including Derrick Favors going 2 for 2. While it is not sustainable it is a case of a team in rhythm, playing the game correctly, and playing without agendas.  It is remarkable to watch.  The ball is popping.  Every possession is just a dance to see where the opening will happen.  It is not set where the ball is going to end, instead, it is a gorgeous journey and the end destination is unknown, but they are finding the right exit each time.

• The last two games have been offensive wins. The defense has been good enough, but they have been offensive wins.

• The Jazz were 10 of 11 from three in the first half. It was the 9^th time in franchise history they had ever had 10 threes in a half only against the Clippers last year when the Jazz went 11 of 12 in a half have they ever been better.

• The strangest part of this offensive explosion is that it directly corresponds to when Rudy Gobert returned, but prior to this turn of events the Jazz offense with Rudy this year had been really sporadic if not dreadful. However, the pick and roll game with Gobert is completely different than it was earlier this year.  The spacing feels different, the impact of his picks and his impact on the defense feel more significant.    The numbers bare this out.

• Ricky Rubio continues to be a different player. Tonight it was a double-double with assists.  Is this an outlier streak?  Is this the sign of the Jazz development program having its impact on Rubio?  Is this a player who has had 5 coaches in 5 years finally getting comfortable with a new coach?  Is this a player who had never switched teams finally getting used to new teammates in a system that allows him freedom?  I have no idea.   The key in my opinion on Rubio is layup making and getting to the free throw line.  If he can make a decent rate on his layups (55 to 60%) and go to the line about 6 times a night he is an average to above average offensive player.  Then you add his passing, defense and passion and you have a leader.

• Rubio’s teammates want him to do well. They know his work ethic.  They know his commitment.  He is the one leading the group out for dinner at night.  When he is going well this group follows.

• Rodney Hood saw the hula hoop tonight. He had it rolling.  You could see it early.  He was aggressive both offensively and defensively.  His shot was on.  His in the paint footwork and body control was awesome.  He finished with 30 points on 12 of 14 shooting.

• Anthony Davis has struggled against Rudy Gobert for most of his career. The exception was their last meeting last year when AD got it rolling.   Tonight, it was back to how the 5 previous games had been.   AD had a spurt in the 1^st quarter, but it was all long 2s.  He didn’t score all night in the paint on Gobert.   Not a single basket.  He got a lob over Jerebko.  He didn’t run down one play so he was under the basket for a layup over Mitchell.  Otherwise, the only damage he did was long 2s and then he tapped out.  He had one free throw after the first quarter.    Rudy Gobert got one of the 5 most impactful offensive players in the NBA to tap out.  That is awesome.

• The Jazz preparation is incredible. At shootaround today they worked hard to take away Anthony Davis rim run he so often gets as the trailing big.  He didn’t get it once all game.   They worked offensively on two plays to attack the New Orleans defense.  They executed both to perfection and with regularity and abused the Pelicans all night.  It is an incredible treat to watch the coaches prepare the team and then to see the players execute.  I can’t speak to what other teams do, as I have not been in their practices, but I find it hard to believe other teams go to the level of detail Quin Snyder does with this team.

• There is really too much to mention tonight. Joe Ingles stayed super hot.  Royce  O’Neale was beyond solid again tonight and was flat out impactful.  Derrick Favors deserves a lot of mention, he is playing incredible basketball.  This is the best he has played in years.  He is finishing around the rim with force.  He is catching everything.  He hit two threes tonight.  He has flashed to the basketball. He has protected the rim.  He has been really great.   Of Course, Raul Neto was +13 in 12 minutes.  Ekpe Udoh played vital minutes when Gobert got his 4^th

• Ekpe Udoh blocked Anthony Davis into a wedgie. Davis tried to go to basket and Udoh blocked it so that it stuck between the rim and the basket.

• This group is together. It is playing masterful basketball.  It is a collective effort and it is seemingly out of nowhere. To the coaches and the players, I am sure it is a culmination of work and dedication.  For the fans and the announcers, it is awesome.