The Oklahoma City Thunder have a quick turnaround from their loss at the Sacramento Kings Feb. 9. Less than 24 hours later, Kevin Durant and company play in Salt Lake City against the Utah Jazz. The Thunder squandered an eight point lead with under six minutes to play to lose 106-101 to the Kings. Now they look to avoid a two-game losing streak as they play the Jazz.
Utah is struggling and needs a win. A victory against the Western Conference's best team would help Utah regain its footing against a division rival. Utah has lost two games in a row and four of its last five. Two losses were blowouts and two were close. Three of them were on the road. The Jazz did have a good win at home against the Los Angeles Lakers Feb. 4. Although the Lakers are having a tough season too, a win against one of the best teams in recent years is always a plus.
The Jazz are six games behind the Thunder in the Northwest Division. This is the first meeting between the teams this season. Recent games may foretell how this game will pan out. The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Jazz by just two points back on Feb. 1 in Salt Lake City. A day later, the Golden State Warriors won 119-101 in California.
The Clippers also beat the Thunder in late January. OKC beat the Warriors twice on their home court, once in January and once in February.
The game against Utah will be tough and close. Both teams will be tired but for different reason. OKC is finishing a four-game road trip. The Thunder won't have much time to practice. Utah has had two days off but lost two games earlier in the week, both on the road. A win is a must for Utah who have to get a consistent winning streak going to improve.
The road swing may take its toll later in the season as starters play more minutes. The key for head coach Scott Brooks is to get his team ahead early so starters can rest. Later in the season, especially during a playoff run, that will pay dividends when the team is fresher and more prepared for the long haul.
William Browning has been a fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder ever since the team relocated from Seattle. As the closest NBA team to Branson, Mo., the Thunder serve as the regional team for southwest Missouri.
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