2018 NBA Playoffs: Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz preview

3. Who wins between Houston’s offense and Utah’s defense?

Ranking second in scoring and first in both 3-point attempts and makes during the regular season, the Rockets own the 11th-best offensive rating of all-time, possessing the ability to score 100 points in three quarters, as well as 50 in a single frame. (See Game 4 vs. Minnesota.)

Tied for first in points allowed per game with a top-five mark in opponent 3-pointers made and attempted, the Jazz were one of the best defenses in the NBA, capable of shutting down the NBA’s elite offensive talent. (See first round vs. OKC.)

Rarely are NBA fans treated to a matchup where the strengths of each team are pitted directly against each other, as both teams’ abilities to do what they do best will tell us a lot about how this series is going to look moving forward.

If Houston’s offense can score 120+ against Utah’s defense, the Jazz simply don’t have enough firepower on the offensive end to keep things competitive.

However, Utah has experience in shutting down elite offenses, holding OKC to just 101.2 points a game on just 43 percent shooting during their six-game series.

Depending on how one looks at that matchup says a lot about how they think the Jazz will fare against the Rockets.

Led by Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony, the Thunder possess one of the best offensive trios in the NBA, and the Jazz forced them into shooting percentages of 39.8, 40.8 and 37.5, respectively.

Looking from a glass half-empty perspective, while both Houston and OKC rely heavily on isolation sets, the Thunder don’t have the same shooters as the Rockets, making those one-on-one battles much easier to defend.

We shall soon find out just how legit Utah’s defense is, as its ability to shut down Houston’s isolation as well as the 3-point shooters will prove crucial in an upset bid.