Utah Jazz: 3 Reasons Why The Jazz Won Their 1st Round Series

3 Reasons Why The Utah Jazz Won Their 1st Round Series

April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) guards Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) in the first half of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Johnson, Playoff Savior

Joe Johnson came into this year’s postseason with over 100 playoff games under his belt over his lengthy career. He wasn’t expected to be a consistent major contributor, but his veteran presence figured to rub off on a young and inexperienced roster.

However, he stepped up in a major way when the stakes were highest.

At least two Jazz wins can be directly attributed to Johnson. Game 1 was won thanks to his 21 points and game-winner, and his 28-point flurry in Game 4 keyed a Utah comeback that turned the tide of the series.

After averaging 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists during the regular season, Johnson stepped his production up to 15.7 points, 4.1 boards and 4.1 assists on 48 percent shooting over the last seven games.

He became one of the Jazz’s main offensive creators, repeatedly blowing by any big men the Clippers threw at him or bruising smaller wing players in the paint.

It’s not wise to depend on a 35-year-old to be your second-best offensive player, but having him in a pinch sure helps, especially in a series against the Warriors where the Jazz will need to score in bunches to keep up.

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