NBA Western Power Rankings Week 4: Warriors make history

Nov 23, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) boxes out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

7th: Utah Jazz (28 points)

By Tom West

Record: 6-7

Record last week: 2-2

Defense is what carries the Jazz, and it’s a lack of offense that prevents them from stringing together more wins. Rudy Gobert is a force at the rim (even if he seems to get posterized too often), Derrick Favors and his 1.5 blocks per game is underrated, which gives them a frontcourt duo that can scare anyone out of the paint at times. That’s the key reason why they rank 3rd in the NBA in points allowed per game with just 93.8.

However, as great as their defense is, it’s their offense that’s doesn’t always deliver. They’re right back at the other end of the spectrum when it comes to their own scoring, as they record only 94.6 points per game, which places them 29th above only the hopeless Philadelphia 76ers. Having better floor general point guards to work with than Trey Burke and rookie Raul Neto would help.

Last week, it was that exact problem that led to Utah’s .500 record. In their losses to close out the week, they scored just 93 against the Dallas Mavericks and 89 against the Oklahoma Thunder. Until that number averages out around 100, they can’t compete with the NBA’s top teams or move much higher in our rankings.

Next: Phoenix Suns