They’re talkative. They’re feisty. And they’re on their longest win streak of the season. What’s not to like if you’re a Jazz fan?
SALT LAKE CITY — Not long ago, the Jazz were the likable underdogs that punched above their weight class. But there’s little love for them outside the Wasatch Front in 2019.
These things happen when you stop being benign. Just ask the Cleveland Cavaliers, whom the Jazz wrecked on Friday night. For many opponents, the Jazz have become a regular pain in the low post, so to speak.
They relish the role.
“You did this!” Donovan Mitchell taunted a fan after scoring the dagger shot against Detroit last month. “It’s your fault!”
The same could be said of the Jazz. They’ve won six straight games, having muscled, pestered, dunked and yapped their way into playoff contention. They’re just two games behind third-place Portland, a team they host Monday.
The numbers explain a lot about why they’ve risen from 14th place in the West to seventh. They’re fourth in defensive rating, with the easiest remaining schedule in the league. They’re third in scoring defense, eighth in point differential and sixth in field goal defense.
In short, the Jazz don’t meekly concede to anyone.
It’s not only numbers that are grating on opponents; it’s their style. They’re the annoying brother that never knows when to quit.
