What we learned from the LA Clippers’ loss to the Utah Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 30: Jeff Green #22 of the Utah Jazz shoots over Maurice Harkless #8 of the LA Clippers during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 30, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 30: Jeff Green #22 of the Utah Jazz shoots over Maurice Harkless #8 of the LA Clippers during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 30, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 30: JaMychal Green #4 of the LA Clippers shoots over Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 30, 2019, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 30: JaMychal Green #4 of the LA Clippers shoots over Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 30, 2019, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

The Jazz will be a tough out

Coming into the season, the Utah Jazz were being hyped up as one of the best teams in the league. There was no doubt that they would again be one of the best defensive units, and with the addition of Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic, the offense was set to skyrocket as well.

It’s early, but most of that is looking to be true so far for the Jazz.

At 4-1, they’ve been one of the league’s toughest teams, even with Conley’s struggles. Donovan Mitchell has been playing fantastic basketball which helps balance that out, but they’re going to be scary when both of their guards are clicking on the same night.

It seems fair to say that the LA Clippers, when at full health, are still the better team. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George should help to minimize the efforts of Mitchell and Bogdanovic while still providing plenty of offense, and their gravity should help to create some open looks for teammates like Landry Shamet and Patrick Patterson as well (if either of them continues to start once George returns to the lineup).

The Los Angeles Lakers match up best with the Clippers, but the Jazz aren’t far behind. If both squads end up meeting in the playoffs, things could get interesting.

The LA Clippers will return to action tonight when they host the San Antonio Spurs at 10:30 p.m. Keep an eye out for things to watch for in that game later this morning!