Who Could the Utah Jazz Play in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs?
Mike Conley (10) and Royce O'Neale (23) celebrate
When the dust settled on Sunday night, only one team remained as the top dog in the NBA. The Utah Jazz.
This is the first time in the history of the franchise that the Jazz have finished with the lone best record in the NBA. They have however, tied for the best record multiple times throughout history. They also accomplished another first time feat this year, becoming the first team in the history of the NBA to finish with at least 10-three pointers in every game of the regular season.
Not too shabby of a track record seeing as they did it during a 'Pandemic Season' as well as accomplishing these records with Donovan Mitchell (out for 19-games) and Mike Conley (out for 21-games) being out for a lot of the season.
Now that we've gone through some of the incredible accomplishments that the Jazz have taken care of this season, it's now time to dissect who they could be playing in the first round of the playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies:
The Memphis Grizzlies would more than likely be the most favorable matchup that Utah would face in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Jazz are 3-0 this season against the Grizzlies, with Utah missing either Donovan Mitchell or Mike Conley in two of those three matchups. It's unlikely that the Grizzlies will make it that far, but if they do, the Jazz would not mind a showdown with Ja Morant and Company.
Joe Ingles (2) drives past Dillon Brooks (black 23) while Royce O'Neale (green 23) sets a pick
San Antonio Spurs:
The San Antonio Spurs are the last seed to make the play-in and are scheduled to take on Memphis in game one. Although unlikely, the Spurs would be another favorable matchup for the Jazz in round one of the Playoffs. Utah has gone 3-0 this season against their long-time Western Conference rival, and are on a four game winning streak against Gregg Popovich and Company.
Georges Niang (31) drives to the hoop against the San Antonio Spurs
Los Angeles Lakers:
The Lakers seem to be the matchup that everybody wants to avoid right now because of the recent return of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Los Angeles' two star players didn't play most of the year due to injury and have recently been recalled to the active roster. Although it wouldn't be the ideal matchup for the Jazz, Utah definitely poses the biggest threat to take down the defending Champions.
Donovan Mitchell (45) with a ferocious dunk against the Los Angeles Lakers
Golden State Warriors:
Most experts believe that there is a good chance that the Jazz will end up taking on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in round one of the NBA Playoffs. The Warriors finished the year with a 39-33 record and were led by their all-star sharp shooter the entire way. A late surge at the end of the season makes the Warriors a dangerous threat, and the Jazz will need to be on their A-game if they plan to advance to the second round.
Jordan Clarkson (00) scores against the Golden State Warriors
Although each of these teams would make for an exciting first round matchup, it should be remembered that all roads to the Larry O'Brien Trophy have to go through Salt Lake City. With the newly announced 13,000 fans being in attendance for the playoffs, the "Viv" is bound to be rocking with deafening electricity throughout the arena.
It's Playoff Time Jazz fans.
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