The Jazz have only played 4 games decided by 3 points or less this season and are now only 1-3 in those close games after their 103-102 loss at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their lone win came at Minnesota in December. Only the New York Knicks (1-4) have as few wins in close games. By contrast, Indiana has played 21 close games (9-12) and San Antonio has played 18 (11-7). The best teams? Portland and New Orleans are both 8-1 in close games.
Why have the Jazz played so few close games this season? It could be partially due to Sloan’s “fight and foul until the bitter end” mentality, where a 2 point loss turns into a 8 point loss in the final moments. But that doesn’t really explain the lack of close wins. Any ideas?
Keep in mind that the Jazz have played a triple-overtime game (at Miami), two double-overtime games (at Detroit, at Houston) and a overtime game (vs. Phoenix), but none of those games ended with a margin or 3 points or less.
Will this lack of close games hurt the Jazz come playoff time?
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