Utah Jazz: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Thunder
By Mason McFee
2. The Jazz’s big men are the key
Basketball is a game of runs. The phrase is often used when describing the best sport on earth, but it’s often not explained. Instead of giving a general explanation, Game 2 serves as a perfect illustration.
The Utah Jazz got off to an early 9-0 run in the first quarter The Jazz’s duo of big men scored seven of those early nine points, and Utah was showcasing its elite defense that has become a staple during the Quin Snyder era. Billy Donovan called a timeout, and the Thunder went on a 9-0 run of their own to tie things up. Then, the game really began.
Both teams play a physical brand of basketball, but for the Jazz, they don’t have to always match OKC’s physicality. In fact, they should be encouraged to just to play to their strengths. Why? Because the Jazz have something the Thunder don’t — size.
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Outside of Steven Adams (who is a burly 255 pounds to go with his 7’0” frame), the Thunder don’t have anyone else they play regularly who can match the size of Derrick Favors (6’10”, 265 pounds) or Rudy Gobert (7’1”, 245 pounds).
The next closest person on the roster? Carmelo Anthony, who Billy Donovan won’t be trotting out to crash the boards or try and guard Gobert or Favors too often.
Steven Adams had to sit because he tried to box out Gobert and Favors, which is something basketball players are supposed to do. While a fine idea in principle, it caused him to acquire two fouls early, allowing Snyder to keep Favors out on the court and dominate smaller defenders, while giving his star big man a breather in the first half.
In the second half, Adams picked up his fourth foul about midway through the third quarter, which allowed Favors to get some rest while Snyder kept Gobert out on the court. Those respites are key, as it looks like this series is going to be a long one.
The Jazz would build a few 6-7-point leads, only to have them erased once the starters came back in. It may cause some concern, but in fact, it should be viewed as a positive. Adams would end up fouling out with 2:48 to go in the fourth, and the runs Utah went on when he was out were crucial.
Favors finished with eight offensive boards and to start the second half, Gobert and Favors ran a nice two-man game that resulted in easy buckets for the duo. The Jazz have been getting open looks underneath the basket quite frequently, which brings up the final point.