Utah Jazz: 3 takeaways from Game 4 survival vs. Rockets

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 22: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talk during Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets on April 22, 2019 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Utah shows out on defense

Long regarded as one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, Utah showed why that was the case in Game 4. The Jazz held the Rockets to just 35.4 percent shooting from the field, a number that drops to 33.0 percent on only 2-point looks.

Utah managed to seize a 17-rebound advantage over its opponent, including a 16-9 advantage at the offensive end. For as dangerous an offensive unit as Houston is, it was of massive importance for the Jazz to limit second-chance opportunities and control the tempo of this elimination game.

During the regular season, this was a team that clocked in at No. 2 in defensive rating at 105.2 and surrendered the fourth-fewest points per game at 106.5 a night. In their four playoff games, those numbers have jumped to 110.1 and 108.8, respectively — not exactly the production required against this Rockets team.

It’s easy to suggest Utah needs to limit the number of Houston’s 3-point looks in order to win. Given the sheer volume at which the Rockets attempt shots from beyond the arc, that’s nearly impossible. Instead, the Jazz must take away everything else as they did in Game 4, limiting the Rockets to just 22 points inside the paint.

Rudy Gobert is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year for a reason, and he chipped in nine rebounds and three blocks in the win. If Utah can keep him around the paint and funnel perimeter guys right into his lengthy arms, it’ll have a better chance at keeping Houston under 100 points once again.