'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder brought the thunder in Game 1 against the Utah Jazz with an impressive 116-108 win. Paul George transformed into “Playoff P” as he went off for a career playoff-high 36 points and 8 3-pointers.
The rest of their Big 3 came through, with Russell Westbrook (29 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists) and Carmelo Anthony (15 points, 7 boards, 3 steals, 2 blocks) both coming up big. However, the big concern for the Thunder will be the availability of PG-13, who is dealing with a hip injury and remains questionable for Game 2.
The Jazz have their big injury concern of their own with Donovan Mitchell suffering from a bruised toe. The rookie came up huge in his playoff debut as he led the way with 27 points and 10 rebounds.
Rudy Gobert chipped in with 14 points and 7 boards while Ricky Rubio and Joe Ingles added 13 points apiece. Dante Exum and Alec Burks both had 10 points in limited minutes, but they could be thrust into a bigger role if Mitchell misses out.
Three keys to the game
Star players’ availability/effectiveness – The availability of both Mitchell and George is crucial for both teams. And even if both play, just how effective they can be despite their injuries is yet to be seen.
The Jazz’s reliance on their rookie is more pressing. Mitchell is their leading scorer by a significant margin, and they will face a dramatic drop-off without him. George’s absence would also be a huge blow, but at least they have two other stars in Westbrook and Anthony who can step up and take on a bigger load on offense.
Supporting casts – If Mitchell and/or George fail to show up, the spotlight will be on the supporting players to step up and help carry the load. For the Jazz, that means the likes of Ingles, Exum, and Burks.
As for the Thunder, Abrines and Brewer will need to take on more shots in George’s absence. But obviously, the Jazz players will need to do more to compensate for Mitchell’s offense.
Jazz adjustments – Jazz coach Quin Snyder is a good tactician, and he’ll have his work cut out for him making adjustments after Game 1. He obviously must shore things up defensively and avoid getting into another shootout with OKC.
Meanwhile, he must consider what to do with Favors. Melo outplayed him in Game 1 as Favors finished with a team-worst +/- rating of -12. Utah may have to consider going smaller to match up better with the Thunder.
Matchup to watch
Ricky Rubio vs Russell Westbrook – If Mitchell misses out, the responsibility will be on Rubio to up his game offensively. He finished second to Mitchell in terms of shot attempts in Game 1 but went just 5-of-18 from the field. The same goes for Westbrook if George is out.
Utah Jazz probable starters
PG – Ricky Rubio
SG – Donovan Mitchell
SF – Joe Ingles
PF – Derrick Favors
C – Rudy Gobert
Oklahoma City Thunder probable starters
PG – Russell Westbrook
SG – Corey Brewer
SF – Paul George
PF – Carmelo Anthony
C – Steven Adams
Match details
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz at Chesapeake Energy Arena
Date and time: ET - 18 April 2018 8:00 PM; IST - 19 April 2018 5:30 AM
