NBA Western Power Rankings Week 5: Thunder thrive, Grizzlies rise
By Tom West
Nov 30, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball in front of Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Warriors won 106-103. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
6th: Utah Jazz (30 points)
By Jeff Nisius
Record: 8-8
Record last week: 2-1
The defense that made the Jazz a delight to watch late last season has faded a bit early this season. The Jazz currently rank 11th in defensive efficiency as Rudy Gobert has come back down to earth this season. Regardless, Utah is a good team. They have solid depth, still play good defense, but just need to find easier ways to score the ball.
Derrick Favors continues to play well, as does Gordon Hayward, but Alec Burks and Rodney Hood have stood out from the perimeter. A team needing someone to score from deep, Burks has shot a scintillating 39.5 percent from three and is playing well after missing 55 games last year due to shoulder surgery.
Keep an eye on the Jazz, because a +2 differential ranks them 4th in the conference and they are clearly playing better than .500 ball.
Next: Memphis Grizzlies