Returning from the All-Star hiatus, the Utah Jazz are gearing up to finish the rest of their 2024-25 season. Although their current standing may not be the strongest, the Jazz’s forward Lauri Markkanen insists that the remaining 28 games should not be taken lightly. The youthful Jazz squad still has much to gain from the impending matches, even if they might not lead to a playoff entry this year.
Ahead of the Jazz’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Markkanen emphasized the significance of the upcoming games. “We are focused on building good habits,” Markkanen stated during Friday’s shootaround. “Our goal is to notch as many victories as we can while creating chemistry and establishing a solid foundation. We have a lot of young players who are committed to the team culture, who are dedicated to improving. Game repetitions are invaluable; they are crucial for everyone. You can’t mimic that in practice.”
While training and non-match repetitions contribute to the Jazz’s development and the growth of their young core, Markkanen notes that nothing can substitute the importance of playing actual games against world-class talent. He aims to ensure his teammates understand and appreciate the significance of the upcoming games.
However, the Jazz’s journey ahead is fraught with considerable challenges. They are facing one of the top-ten toughest remaining schedules in the NBA, according to strength of schedule metrics. This includes two games against the Thunder, a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and two against the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics.
The final stretch of the season might not be easy, but it presents an opportunity for the Jazz to navigate the highs and lows together. For a team as young as the Jazz, continuous in-game repetitions are vital for building experience and chemistry. Consistent success may be hard to come by, but for a team committed to long-term development like the Jazz, these final games of the season will play a significant role in shaping their future.
Markkanen’s outlook on the rest of the season, the importance of in-game repetitions, and the challenges ahead underline the Jazz’s determination to grow as a team. Despite the obstacles, the Jazz are ready to face the rest of the season head-on, focusing on the development of their young core and the establishment of a strong team culture. In the world of basketball, these formative experiences can often be the difference between a promising team and a future championship contender.