The Utah Jazz began their brutal opening month with three road games against Eastern Conference teams. After losing their season opener against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, they won the next two games with stifling defense to close out the trip with a 2-1 record.
On paper, the games looked easy as none of their three opponents were in the playoffs last year. However, young teams have a tendency to play to the level of their competition. After a rough finish in Detroit, the Jazz recovered, playing to their capability and capturing two wins from opponents that are not on par with them.