Boston Celtics: 3 keys to victory over the Utah Jazz

Force Mike Conley to run Utah’s offense

This is not a knock at Mike Conley the player, for personally I’ve been a fan of the underrated point guard for years. However, what this is is bringing up a fact that cannot be denied: Conley’s first year in Utah has been quite underwhelming.

From coming in as being deemed the answer at point guard to, more recently, being reassigned to a bench role, the veteran’s debut season with the Jazz can only be described as a roller coaster ride with more downs than ups.

In 28.2 minutes Conley is averaging just 13.6 points, 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds a game on 40 percent shooting from the floor and 36 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

I understand that during their current 3-0 stretch Conley has improved his level of play (16 points, six assists on 53 percent shooting from the field) but this has all come against teams some of the most lowly teams in the league (New York, Cleveland, Washington).

With Kemba Walker expected to play, the matchup on the opposite side should prove to be more troubling for Conley than it was against Elfrid Payton. Because of this, Conley could very well resort back into his inconsistent woes which, in turn, should only strengthen the Boston Celtics’ chance of winning if they force him to run Utah’s offense.