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The Utah Jazz have had an interesting season to say the least. Between all of the ups and downs and ins and outs, the Jazz still remain lingering around the playoff bubble. After giving the defending champs a 30-point beating Tuesday night, the Jazz sit 3.5 games out of the eight seed in the western conference.
With the Clippers trading away Blake Griffin and seemingly entering a rebuilding phase, and the Pelicans dealing with the huge blow of Demarcus Cousins’ injury, the window has opened.
The Jazz are currently enjoying their longest winning streak since the end of November, but will play their next five of six games on the road. This is a crucial stretch for the Jazz to set a tone before the All-Star break, and hopefully close the distance between the Nuggets, Clippers, and Pelicans.
A lot can change in little time in the NBA, and if the Jazz can extend their winning streak and build momentum going into All-Star weekend (hopefully getting Dante Exum back afterwards), they can make some noise in the playoff picture.
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With another 20-point game and two more three-pointers made against Golden State, Donovan Mitchell keeps his impressive rookie showcase rolling along. Mitchell now needs just four more three-pointers to pass Trey Burke for the most 3PM by a rookie in Jazz franchise history.
Mitchell also recorded his 23rd performance with 20+ points scored, and needs 28 more to pass Darrel Griffith’s Jazz rookie record. All signs point to Mitchell being able to average around 20 ppg for the rest of the season, and it will be interesting to see if he can pass Dr. Dunkenstein’s rookie record.
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The Jazz are preparing to submit a bid to host the 2022 or 2023 NBA All-Star game, according to the Deseret News.
Utah Jazz submitting bid to host 2022 or 2023 NBA All-Star Game
— Deseret News Sports (@desnewssports) January 31, 2018
By @E_Woodyard: https://t.co/B7B7ATM8AF pic.twitter.com/o9oLaxE1Ki
It’s been 25 long years since the ASG was hosted in SLC, when Stockton and Malone hoisted the trophy as co-MVPs. It would be an incredible experience for a “small market” franchise to host the All-Star game in today’s NBA. Perhaps the Golden State Warriors could provide recommendations for nightlife activities for visiting NBA players and fans.
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You’ve seen stars like LeBron, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook approach Donovan Mitchell and include him in their circle. But none of us can handle Mitchell being directly included by someone with such star power as JAVALE FREAKING MCGEE.
Me: lift ya elbow up a little more and follow thru! pic.twitter.com/yo5DK65pOa
— Javale McGee (@JaValeMcGee) January 31, 2018
Real recognize real.
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Here’s a short tribute to the GOAT, John Stockton. No matter what happens to the Jazz franchise for the rest of eternity, we can all find comfort in knowing that nobody will EVER even come close to reaching Stock’s insane records.
This Day in Stats, 1995: John Stockton of the @utahjazz picks up career assist 9,922, passing Magic Johnson as the NBA's all-time leader. pic.twitter.com/YoRJH6mkSU
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 1, 2018