The Utah Jazz weren’t able to even up their series with the Houston Rockets, and as a result, they’re now one game away from elimination.
It’s amazing how in the span of just two games, the narrative within a series can completely flip. Such is the life of playoff action.
After stealing Game 2 on the road, the Utah Jazz looked to be very much in their second round series against the Houston Rockets, with a chance to really put pressure on Houston on their home court.
The Rockets, experienced as ever, clearly didn’t feel that pressure in Game 3, nor the game after, as they took a 3-1 series lead with a 100-87 victory in Game 4.
Houston wasn’t messing around in this game, as it wanted to suck the life out of Utah’s playoff hopes, and that’s exactly what it did, taking a seven-point lead after the opening quarter and never relinquishing the lead after that.
The Jazz, not wanting to go down 3-1, did everything they could to make the game competitive down the stretch, cutting what was once a 19-point deficit to single digits midway through the fourth quarter, but the Rockets were simply too potent offensively to for Utah to come all the way back.
The duo of Chris Paul and James Harden thrived once again for Houston, combining for 51 points and nine assists, while Clint Capela finished with 15 rebounds and six blocks, including five in the final three minutes of the game.
Three players scored in double figures for the Jazz, led by Donovan Mitchell‘s 25 points, but the rookie took 24 shots to reach that point total.
In order for the Jazz to even have a chance of advancing in this series, they have to focus on the task at hand. In this case, that would be bringing the Rockets back to Salt Lake City for Game 6.
It won’t be easy, but Utah won Game 2 in Houston. It’ll have to do it again to save its season.