By Michael Doutey
The Oklahoma City Thunder shot their way past the Utah Jazz in Game One, winning 116-108. OKC was lead by the hot shooting from Paul George, who scored 36 points off an amazing 8-11 3-point shooting performance. The Thunder have room to improve though, according to head coach, Billy Donovan. Multiple times in Billy’s post game press conference he said that the Thunder have to be better in Game Two. That is something Billy has reiterated in his meetings with the media on Monday and Tuesday. In particular, Billy D has pointed out the Thunder’s transition defense, where OKC gave up 19 points off Thunder turnovers and Utah scored 21 points in the fast break.
The Thunder found a way to win the game Sunday, but the Thunder do have lots to improve on. OKC was sloppy with the ball, turning the ball over 17 times in the game and three more times than the Jazz. Billy wasn’t pleased with the transition defense, which we pointed out above. But the Thunder weren’t locked in for a full 48 minutes. OKC got off to a sluggish start, trailing 16-4 in the opening minutes of the game. Then in the final three minutes of the game, OKC had a 18 points lead cut to six. Yes, the Thunder won the game, but they will have to be better in Game Two because I’m willing to bet that PG won’t connect on eight 3s again, if he is available to play.
Keys to the Game
1. Mid-Range Jumper
The shot blocking of Rudy Gobert is huge for the Jazz defense. It is a game changer. In Game One, OKC scored just 32 points in the paint compared to 50 for Utah. Westbrook did such a great job of hitting his little jumper, even hitting a beautiful turnaround J over Gobert in the first half. The Jazz will have Gobert sit back in pick-and-roll coverage, giving Russ that free-throw line jumper. That will be key for Westbrook to be able to hit that shot in this series consistently. Another way the Thunder can reduce the shot blocking presence of Gobert is up to Paul George. We’ll get to his injury shortly, but one things that was a secondary effect of PG’s shooting was the way the Jazz chose to guard him. They started to trap PG, forcing him to get the ball out of his hands. PG isn’t a great passer out of traps and will turn the ball over from time to time. But it also let the Thunder play 4-on-3 basketball. That moved guys around and forced Gobert out of the paint by a few steps, making it a little easier to get around him. Those two things will be key for Thunder wins.
2. Battle of the Role Players
OKC’s bench came in and just played awesome on Sunday. The Thunder bench
players all had a positive plus-minus in Game One. The Thunder reserves were a plus-44 in the game while Utah’s bench was a combined negative-six, and that number was saved by the monster run in the final minutes of the game after Quin Snyder pulled his starters. Also, watch for the production of Joe Ingles in Game Two. Ingles wasn’t much of a factor on Sunday. He shot well, scoring 13 points on 5-9 shooting, including 3-5 from 3. But Ingles had just one assist. He’s second on the team in assists, averaging 4.8 on the season. If OKC can limit the assists from Ingles, then the Thunder are forcing him to be strictly a shooter. The Jazz love to have penetration to the lane, kick to the corner for either an open 3 or for a swing pass for another open shot, forcing the Thunder defense to scramble mode. If OKC can force Rubio into taking the majority of the shots for the Jazz and keep Ingles assist count low, the Thunder have an excellent chance at taking a 2-0 series lead to Salt Lake City.
3. Injury Report for Both OKC and Utah
For OKC, the big injury concern is focused on Paul George. George mysteriously exited the game late in the fourth quarter and was scene being massaged in the lower back or hip area. Monday was a light practice for the Thunder with no contact. Everyone went through practice. However, Tuesday was a different story. Billy said PG didn’t do much today and didn’t go through any contact. As far as Corey Brewer, he did some contact today. Also, Erik Horne of The Oklahoman found this little interesting nugget.
Thunder did not list Paul George (left hip contusion) or Corey Brewer (right knee sprain) under its injury report in its game notes. Both still are projected starters. Hard to imagine both won’t play Wednesday.
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) April 17, 2018
As far as Utah’s rookie sensation, Donovan Mitchell, his availability is up in the air for tomorrow.
Donovan Mitchell (left foot contusion) is questionable tomorrow and went through portions of practice today.
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 17, 2018
I do find it hard believe that Mitchell would miss the game, but we’ll see just how effective he’ll be and how well he can play through the pain.
Prediction
I am really tempted to pick the Jazz in Game Two. However, with the injury to Mitchell, I find it hard to not go with OKC, even if PG isn’t 100 percent. The Thunder would have Russ, Melo and Adams to rely on if PG isn’t himself. If Mitchell is hobbled, that would really hurt the Jazz offense by taking away their best shot creator and would lessen the PG injury on the Thunder’s defensive end. I’ll take OKC to take a two games to none lead with a 105-97 win.
Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
