Minneapolis • The Utah Jazz are involved in a Western Conference playoff race that’s almost unprecedented.
And it’s a playoff race coach Quin Snyder almost can’t believe himself.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Snyder said.
On Sunday night, the Jazz faced the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. They began the matchup with four different scenarios regarding the standings, two each for a win and a loss.
The regular season ends in less than two weeks, and currently there isn’t a set matchup in the West. There are 10 teams with a chance, and there is a game separating the fourth seed and the eighth seed.
On Sunday night, there were multiple games with significant implications, the Jazz and Wolves being among them. It’s simply been a jumbled mess out west, with the Jazz trying to toil their way into the postseason.
“It’s been amazing,” Snyder said. “You can move up four spots in one game, or you can move down four spots. There’s so much pressure on you every time you play.”
The Jazz are trying to take care of their business. But Snyder’s given up on trying to get his players not to scoreboard watch. Indeed, before Sunday night’s matchup, players and coaches all had their phones handy, scanning games that were happening while they prepared for the Timberwolves.
On the surface, the Jazz know what the task is ahead. They control their own destiny for a playoff spot, so winning is the most important thing. But they also want to attain as high a seed as possible, and that means they need a bit of help.
But the team has been loose in their chase. They understand the work they’ve done in putting themselves in position to make the postseason. Now, they know they have to finish the job.
“We have to control what we can control,” Utah guard Donovan Mitchell said. “This has been fun. There are a lot of great teams out here.”
Wounded Wolves
Minnesota played Sunday night short-handed. Starting point guard Jeff Teague was held out due to a sore knee. Forward Jimmy Butler remains out after knee surgery, although he’s been cleared for basketball activities and is nearing a return.
The Timberwolves did regain the services of point guard Derrick Rose, although he wasn’t in Minnesota’s initial rotation. Tyus Jones started in Teague’s place.
Falling early
Jazz rookie Royce O’Neale has had issues with his jumper falling of late. So, he was happy to make a few in Friday night’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
“I’ve been getting into the gym and getting some shots up,” O’Neale said. “It’s just about repetition and believing in your shot. I just have to keep shooting.”
