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Jazz regress defensively in loss to Sixers

Philadelphia takes season series with 114-97 win against Utah.

Even when asked about the offense, he went straight to the defense. Head coach Quin Snyder saw steps forward over the last ten games, but in Thursday night’s 114-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Utah Jazz weren’t switched on defensively for the second and third quarters – outscored 73-50.

Nearly every answer related to defense for Snyder. It wasn’t at the level that held six of the last seven opponents to sub-100 offensive ratings.

Philly’s style led to interesting defensive matchups. The Sixers came in with the league’s 8th best transition offense. As a result, Utah got caught in difficult cross matchups. The player guarding Jazzmen weren’t necessarily the matchups on the defensive end. It caused confusion for Rudy Gobert and company.

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid skewered the Jazz defense. Simmons posted a triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists, and 14 rebounds. The Aussie connected with Jimmy Butler for three lobs in behind. Embiid notched 23 on 9-17 shooting and grabbed 15 boards. JJ Redick hit 6-9 three-pointers to finish with 24.

If the Jazz expect to turn the corner, the defense will need to return.

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