After two straight runs to the second round of the playoffs, expectations are high for the Utah Jazz. The Jazz, with their talented core and defensive prowess, have what it takes to go even deeper in the postseason.
The Core
After a turbulent start to last season, the Jazz fell into a groove, going 29-6 in their last 35 games. Rudy Gobert, after being sidelined with two different leg injuries, transformed the team from being lottery-bound into one of the most feared in the league. Gobert averaged 13.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He also led the league in screen assists with 6.