Utah Jazz fans remain confident in their team despite starting their playoff series 1-1

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Each week, we send out questions to the most plugged-in Utah Jazz fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to join Reacts.

According to the most recent SB Nation Reacts survey, 90 percent of Jazz fans are confident the team is headed in the right direction. That’s down a notch from 93 percent last week and 97 percent two weeks ago.

Confidence in the team stays strong and should stay that way with the return of Donovan Mitchell to the team. Mitchell was electric in his Game 2 debut and showed why he’s an integral part of what the Jazz do. His ability to penetrate the Memphis Grizzlies’ defense put their defense into tough rotations and allowed other Jazz players to get better looks they might not have gotten otherwise.

Sure, the Jazz could win games without Mitchell, it’s a testament to their depth and Rudy Gobert’s incredible impact. Although having Mitchell means the Jazz have an elite guard bending the defense and making life easier on their role players. Game 2 reminded everyone why the Jazz have the best record in the league.

In Game 3 we will see if Jazz fans’ confidence in their team is well-placed. Can the Jazz bring the same energy and shooting into an opponents arena?

Speaking of fans in the arena... with the first-round of the playoffs underway, the most noticeable difference in the games has been the addition of nearly full crowds. More than 50 percent of fans around the country said the inclusion of fans has significantly improved the viewing experience, only 16 percent said it hasn’t improved the experience at all.

Having fans in attendance provides at least the semblance of a home-court advantage. More than three-fourths of Jazz fans believe Utah would have finished the regular season with a better record had fans been in attendance all season long.

With the rest of fans around the country watching at home, there is no shortage of great opening round series to enjoy. 30 percent of fans around the country believe the Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers series is the best of the group.

The New York Knicks series against the Atlanta Hawks is the next most popular choice, with 21 percent of the vote. Seven percent of fans picked the Jazz’s series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Similarly, 26 percent of fans believe the Suns best display the characteristics of a successful team. 12 percent picked the Jazz.

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