Jazz Met Monday To Clear Air After Recent Struggles
Apr 4, 2022, 2:43 PM
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz had a rare opportunity to practice on Monday as the regular season races to a close. Included in Monday’s non-game day activities was an opportunity for the Jazz to meet as a unit and clear the air about their recent issues.
The Jazz have lost six of their last seven games including three straight losses where they led by double-digits, only to self-destruct in crucial moments.
According to guard Jordan Clarkson, the team gathered before practice and discussed the problems that have led to so many losses.
“We got whatever it was off our chest,” Clarkson said. “We talked about it, it ain’t like ain’t nobody care, but it ain’t none of y’all business, it ain’t nobody else’s business about what happened and what we do. We’re figuring it out, just like everybody else.”
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Throughout the year the Jazz have preached that their main goal was to be playing their best basketball at the end of the season, but due to injuries and their tendency to blow enormous leads, the team has fallen short of that objective.
That disappointment has created speculation around the team’s future, including the pairing of All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, and the role of Quin Snyder whose name has been tied to head coaching opportunities with both the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite their recent string of painful losses, Clarkson said the team hasn’t given up on the season.
“The playoffs start a whole other season,” Clarkson said. “I’ve seen other teams make that comment, but we really believe in that.”
Still feels like there’s some spirited competition at @utahjazz practice.#TakeNote | @kslsports pic.twitter.com/AfIOq9mA8M
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) April 4, 2022
The Jazz have four games left before the playoffs begin, starting Tuesday night at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, then hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns, before traveling to Portland to close the year against the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
The team needs any combination of two wins or Minnesota Timberwolves losses to avoid the play-in tournament.
