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Alec Burks, Rodney Hood Move Utah Jazz Playoff Needle

By Ryan Aston

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Feb 25, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

In their team’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz wings Alec Burks and Rodney Hood looked, well, less than sharp.

The Jazz were able to prevail in blowout fashion, but the duo combined for only four points on one of 14 shooting from the field. However, Jazz fans weren’t afforded much of a chance to get down on the guard tandem.

Burks and Hood came alive Peter Frampton-style in Tuesday’s rematch with the Lake Show, spearheading the Jazz late-game attack to help to secure the win in an overtime thriller. Burks led the way with 27 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Hood added 21 points, three assists and knocked down three bombs from deep.

While it’s foolhardy to expect a 48-point effort from the pair on a nightly basis, the efforts of Burks and Hood in the game still serve as a prime example of the impact they can have on the Jazz this season. The road to the playoffs is not easily navigated in the Western Conference, but Burks-Hood combo helps give Utah a fighting chance.

Throughout the offseason, much was made of the competition between the two for minutes and starting position. Contrary to popular belief, one doesn’t necessarily have to take a back seat to the other. Utah’s second preseason win showed how the two can thrive and complement each other for the betterment of the team.

Burks looks to be over the hump with is recovering shoulder, as evidenced by his strong drive game and incredible 14 free throw attempts in the game. Moreover, he showed his ability to knock down jump shots in the mid-range and also connected on his lone three-point attempt.

Hood, meanwhile, showed the skills that helped him capture rookie of the month honors last April. His early-game duel with Kobe Bryant was a joy to watch, as the two exchanged words and three-pointers. Burks is back, but Hood will continue to be a valued floor-spacer and an integral part of the Jazz offense.

Thanks in large part to their ball handling abilities and court vision, each will be counted on to run the offense at times. There have been multiple instances in the preseason where Burks or Hood ran point, while Trey Burke or Raul Neto played off-ball and the early returns have been promising.

This ability to distribute and facilitate is what will allow them to find extra time and possessions in the Jazz offense. In the OT win, the duo spent significant time together on the floor and the team flourished as a result.

Point guard Bryce Cotton has yet to even see the floor through two games as coach Quin Snyder has allowed Burks and Hood to play together and act as floor generals.

Given their unique blend of size, scoring ability and court awareness, the Burks-Hood duo gives the Jazz an intriguing backcourt combination with the potential to create major match-up problems for opponents. Their versatility also allows Snyder to plug them into multiple spots and experiment with different lineups.

Of course, if the team is going to make the playoffs in the west, they’ll do so largely on the backs of Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert. Still, the impact of Hood and Burks, both individually and in tandem, undeniably moves the posteason needle for the Jazz.

Next: Jazz Drop Lakers in OT

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