Utah Jazz: You wouldn't know lockout's over based on Jazz's busy schedule

In the meantime, Hayward said it's important that the Jazz finish off this tough time like they finished off Monday's game against Dallas — playing aggressively, digging in defensively, executing the offense and, of course, winning.

"We've got to be able to set the tone in the first game for the rest of the road trip," Hayward said. "It's going to be a big road trip for us, a key road trip for us."

Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin knows the start of this season has been a challenge, but they knew that coming in.

"They’re a little beat up, but you know what? This is a resilient group of guys with high character, man, and they’re not going to look for excuses," Corbin said. "We’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves. We’re going to fight every night we step out there."

Case in point: the Jazz's 100-94 win over Dallas in which Utah overcame an eight-point deficit in the fourth.

"I thought (Monday) night was a great indication where things weren’t going particularly well for us," he said. "We were down 10 in the fourth quarter, the game got a little physical and we fought our way from there.”

Just like they're going to have to continue doing to get above that red line once this mile-a-minute schedule eases up.