Three thoughts on the Jazz’s 111-102 win over the Charlotte Hornets from Salt Lake Tribune beat writer Andy Larsen.
When Ricky Rubio was on the court for the Jazz tonight, they had a 128 offensive rating. When he was off the court, that offensive rating fell to 75.
It felt that way, too. Rubio just manipulated the Hornets defense to make guys open, whether it be with dribbles or his eyes. The Hornets defense wanted to switch often, a strategy that worked very well with the Jazz’s bench in. But with the starters, Rubio could give the Hornets that split second of indecision that caused players to be open.