Utah Jazz midseason grades

… Rudy Gobert’s ability to affect shots is a key part of Utah’s elite defense. Picture Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports One could look at the Jazz’s offensive stats and then at their current standing in the conference and division and be confused …

Are the Utah Jazz contenders or pretenders?

… a key piece of the Jazz team this year, offering veteran leadership to a young team. Photo by: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports The Jazz are being led by some outstanding players from every age-range. George Hill, the veteran point guard acquired via …

Jokic, Nelson help Nuggets beat Jazz 103-93

Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler drives as Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, in Denver. Utah Jazz guard George Hill, front, drives as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, in Denver.

Hill scores 30 as Jazz beat Pacers 109-100

George Hill insisted there was no extra motivation in facing his former team for the first time since being traded during the summer. Motivation or not, the Utah Jazz point guard torched the Indiana Pacers for one of his best games of the season.

Hayward helps Jazz hold off LeBron, beat Cavs 100-92

Even if Gordon Hayward isn’t concerned with his All-Star candidacy, he put a signature performance on his resume in a huge win for the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. Hayward went blow for blow with LeBron James in the second half to help Utah beat the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers 100-92.

Hayward, Gobert lead Jazz past Grizzlies 82-73

Late in a physical, defensive showdown, the Utah Jazz discovered their 3-point shooting and broke open a close game. Gordon Hayward scored 22 points and Rudy Gobert had 21 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, helping the Jazz beat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-73 on Sunday night.

Hood hits pull-up 3 to give Jazz 103-100 win over Mavericks

Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, above dunks the ball on Dallas Mavericks’ Wesley Matthews , Dwight Powell, center, and Deron Williams argue with a referee in the first half during an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, in Salt Lake City. less Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, above dunks the ball on Dallas Mavericks’ Wesley Matthews , Dwight Powell, center, and Deron Williams argue with a referee in the first half during an NBA basketball … more Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood, left, shoots as Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry defends in the first half during an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, in Salt Lake City.