Back in early January, the Utah Jazz had a 4-4 record and were coming off back-to-back losses on a road trip in New York. It was the start of the season and teams were just finding their groove. For a squad that was coming off a first round exit in the Orlando bubble, the Jazz looked like they were simply trying to get their legs under them.
Then a record-setting win in Milwaukee jump started a furious winning streak that has transformed the Jazz into a bonafide contender. Donovan Mitchell led with 32 points that night as the Jazz shot a blistering 25-of-53 from downtown to come up with a 131-118 win over the Bucks. The victory was a significant one in Jazz history as they set a franchise record of 25 3-point shots. They also became the first team in league history to have five players knock down at least four 3s in a single game.
A month later after that breakthrough win, the Jazz have been on a massive roll, winning 16 of their last 17 outings while enjoying the best record with 20 wins and only five losses. They will once again face the team that they defeated when their hot streak began as they host the Bucks on Saturday (10:00 AM on NBA TV Philippines).
"It's a group that isn't concerned with our record, our win streak,” said Jazz coach Quin Snyder. "We want to win but the focus is squarely on getting better.”
The Bucks are coming off a tough loss at the hands of the Phoenix Suns where they saw their five-game winning streak snapped. Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped a season-high 47 points but missed the potential game-winner as the Suns held on to a 125-124 decision.
"To get it to Giannis, to be at the top of the key with the court spread, you attack or get a shot," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said after the loss that gave them a 16-9 record. "He got a pretty good look.”
Can the Jazz make lightning strike twice and produce another blazing shooting performance? Or will the Bucks bounce back and get their revenge?
Can Giannis and the Bucks avenge their previous loss to the Jazz?
