An Improved Jazz Team

The season has just started and the Jazz have logged their first big road trip of the year. As I have been watching this team during this past week I have been able to notice one glaring difference from years past... drum roll please… DEFENSE! Now I will admit that I do not believe this team has one defensive stopper or for that matter even a player that is capable of that title. What I would call it is a group of players that play team defense.

Allow me to point out some of the reason for this thought. First thing that stands out, is watching Big Al move his feet and stays in front of his man and the hoop. Big Al is no Dwight Howard but it is an improvement from watching Boozer scream at player as they dunked on him. Big Al might not block every shot but he will be there trying to contest each attempt that is taken. Boozer could not even stop his gym bag from breaking his wrist this offseason (thank you Chicago!).

The second point that stands out is the second unit’s defense as a whole. I know the second unit is one of the worse in the league in scoring but their defense is what is making the difference. Rather it’s Earl Watson blocking Jamal Crawford shot attempt of its Fesenko committing a hard foul in the paint. Also it is refreshing to watch Elson stand in the paint and contend shots. When comparing this to Collins and Memo of the past, who would just stand their ground and hope for a charging foul to be called! It is a needed addition.

Third and last of all is the Jazz are showing an ability to get defensive stops when they need them. When it is crunch time in the fourth quarter and the Jazz need a stop they are getting them! If the Jazz are going to have continued success these stop have to continue. One of the interesting statistics when comparing last year to this year is the turnovers. The Jazz are getting nearly 2 more turnovers from opposing teams on average. Last year they were committing as many turnovers as their opponents.