Utah Jazz Find 3 Things To Build on in Win Against the Philadelphia 76ers

After two games where it seemed that nothing went right for the Utah Jazz, the team played better and found several positives in a 102-99 home win against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Playing at home for the first time this season helped the team to find energy and motivation that it lacked on the road.

Overall, the Jazz seemed more comfortable, shot the ball better and ran the offense more efficiently.

There are many things that the Jazz improved on during this game, but here are three that if the team can build on will set them up to be in good shape this season.

Hopefully, the performance against the 76ers is a sign that the effects of the lockout and an accelerated preseason are going to be minimal and that there are more wins to come. 

Defensive Intensity

After head coach Tyrone Corbin challenged the team to step up and play with more intensity following a loss the the Denver Nuggets, the team responded well by increasing the intensity and effort. 

The Jazz did a much better job of being active to create turnovers and fast-break opportunities. 

Players did a good job individually and as a team to buy into Corbin's new defensive schemes and limited chances for the 76ers. 

This is the biggest key for the Jazz to build on as this young team gains experience. 

If the team can play with strong defensive intensity, the team will do well and win a lot of games. 

Lineup

One of the biggest question marks for the Jazz heading into the season was who would start at which position and who would get the most playing time. 

After trying out several different lineup combinations in the first two games, it looks like the Jazz got an idea of one that will work. 

Even without usual starter Al Jefferson available for this game, the team looked like it's settling into a more stable rotation. 

The lineup of Devin Harris, Gordon Hayward, Josh Howard, Paul Millsap and Derrick Favors played the best basketball of this young season together. Adding Jefferson back into the starting five will only help.

Favors did a good job of limiting his fouls and was able to stay on the court. He showed off his low-post play and ended up with a new career high with 20 points. 

The other notable player was Gordon Hayward who played the shooting guard position. This helped him to become more of a facilitator and use his athleticism rather than having to play in the front court. 

Favors and Hayward once again showed why they are the future of the team and the players the Jazz can build on. 

Tempo

Partly as a result of solid defense and partly due to youth and energy, the Jazz were able to increase the tempo that they played with and pushed the ball up the floor better.

This is going to be very important going forward as the team learns to use their youth and athleticism to its advantage. 

Devin Harris and the other point guards did well to get the ball down court quickly and get into the paint where they could draw fouls or get to the basket. 

Paul Millsap and the other big men also did well to run the floor and score some easy fast-break points.

If the Jazz can continue to establish this uptempo style of play, keep up with the defensive intensity and continue to put the right combinations of players on the floor, they are going to find success in the NBA.