The Utah Jazz surprised the Houston Rockets in Game 2. However, in Game 3 the Rockets showed why they had the best record in the NBA.
The Utah Jazz came out in Game 2 on a mission and beat the Houston Rockets on their own court. Joe Ingles shot the lights out and Dante Exum defended James Harden with vigor. Donovan Mitchell shot poorly, but created well for others (11 assists) and Alex Burks poured in 17 points from the bench. Both Rudy Gobert and Jae Crowder had 15-point double-doubles.
In short, the Jazz played as a team and to their strengths.
Game 3 could not have been any different. The Rockets came out at the start of the game and effectively played the Jazz out of it by halftime. They led 70-40 at the main break and did not let Utah back into it.
Harden led Houston with 25 points and 12 assists. He was ably supported by Chris Paul, who had a complete game with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Clint Capela had 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists, four blocks and two steals. He was instrumental in the first quarter, setting up the Rockets’ lead with incredible defense and being in the right place on offense.
This brings us to three takeaways for the Utah Jazz from Game 3.