Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Jazz

2. Carmelo can be a good third option in the playoffs

One of the questions for the Thunder going into the playoffs revolved around whether Carmelo Anthony could still knock down shots. The answer from Game 1 is yes. Anthony scored 15 points and proved he can be that third option that the Thunder needed.

In the first quarter, the Thunder were down 16-4 before Anthony hit two jumpers during a 12-0 Thunder run to tie things up. That run helped the Thunder swing the momentum and started the offensive onslaught the Thunder poured on the Jazz.

The first jumper was after it looked like the Jazz were starting a fast break and Anthony stole the ball and made an easy jumper. The next one was a face-up mid-range jump shot on the block he took after two jab steps.

Anthony was also able to make a pair of 3s that helped the Thunder make three more 3-pointers than the Jazz in the game.

If Carmelo can put points up like he did this game for the rest of the playoffs, the Thunder will be a threat in every game they play. With not many offensive players, if the Thunder are able to have three options on that end, they will give opposing defenses fits.