Round 2!

[Xiao Yao You]

Full capacity. Who will they play? Will Conley be playing? Will COTY be ready to make the tough decisions he will need to at some point?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://sports.yahoo.com/danny-ainge-may-not-retired-130028023.html

There would be a couple of possibilities if Ainge were to come to Utah. One is that Lindsey moves on to another franchise to run its organization, and Ainge steps into Lindsey’s role. The other is Ainge takes on more of a Jerry West-style consultant role advising new owner Smith and having a voice in the Jazz front office, but not the final say.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22486778/under-the-weather-donovan-mitchell-led-utah-jazz-in-statement-game-to-close-out-memphis-grizzlies


Who hasn’t been hit with a head cold or had our seasonal allergies exacerbated by travel or lack of sleep? That certainly is life, but most of us don’t play professional basketball on the most intense stage in the world. Mitchell did that and he made it look like a cake walk.



most of us to have our own training staff to get us ready either


He was the leader on the floor in a closeout game and looked every bit the part. He was unselfish, efficient, poised, calm and smart and took the Jazz to a level they had yet to show through this playoff series.



why can't he just be a leader? Why does he always have to be the leader on a team who has at least two players better than him?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22446045/utah-jazz-first-western-conference-team-to-advance-other-takeaways-from-nba-playoffs-damian-lillard


The series against Memphis turned in the Jazz’s favor when Donovan Mitchell returned to the court and what a return it was. Mitchell was an impact player the moment he entered the series, averaging 28.5 points, 7.8 assists and three rebounds per game, while shooting 46% from the field, 41% from behind the arc and 94% at the free-throw line.



what were those % before game 5?


If Mitchell continues to play at this high of a level, the Jazz should be considered one of the favorites to win the NBA title and they currently have the second-best odds (https://twitter.com/FDSportsbook/status/1400467314496004105?s=20) of any team, behind only the Brooklyn Nets.



big if and it's not happening with their 2nd best player Conley hurt

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/3/22516514/utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-different-beast


After sitting out for over a month with an ankle injury, there was a little bit of speculation as to how Donovan Mitchell would play in his first games back in the NBA Playoffs (https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs). After four games of Spida Man Mitchell, there is little doubt, if any, as to what we’re going to see from Donovan Mitchell in this year’s playoffs.



plenty of doubt. Had one great offensive game and 3 typically inefficient ones against the 9th seed


As we all know, Mitchell was forced to sit out in game 1 against the Grizzlies, after being a late scratch per the Jazz training staff, causing a bit of a ruckus. Game 1 turned out to be torture for Mitchell, watching the Grizzlies torch his team on their floor while he stood helplessly on the sidelines. Watching Mitchell’s body language on the sidelines in game 1, you could just tell this dude had a different energy in him. Sitting out didn’t stop him from talking smack with Dillon Brooks who there was already history with. Mitchell remained active and animated on the sidelines the entire game, and you could tell it was just killing him not being in there. The smack talk with Brooks turned sour after Brooks dropped 31 points and escaped Vivint Arena with a win, going up 1-0 on the series. A little bit of panic settled in among Jazz Nation that night, but fortunately for them, Donovan Mitchell wasn’t going to let that happen again.



Panic? They barely lost with Gobert in rare foul trouble. Game 1's are never a good indicator when one team has had a long lay off and the other is coming in hot :facepalm


Even on a minutes restriction, he dropped 25 points in 25 minutes and was a critical piece in the Jazz securing game two. His energy and leadership just made the Jazz a completely different team from game one, and with that, they were just too much to handle.



they won despite his and Clarkson's play


Games 3 through 5 were different games, but same story for Donovan Mitchell. Scoring with ease, getting to the free-throw line, and bullying Dillon Brooks were much of what Mitchell made constants over a four-game stretch, ultimately beating the Grizzlies 4-1 in a “gentleman’s sweep”.



why was he so inefficient if he was scoring with such ease?


Performing like this in the playoff is something that will catch the eye of the national media, and that’s exactly what has happened the last few days. It even has Stephen A. Smith confirming what we all know, Donovan Mitchell is Dwyane Wade 2.0.



I wish :roll:


After this series, and assuming his trajectory throughout the rest of these playoffs, it’s time we all start referring to Mitchell for what he really is, an NBA superstar. Watching him in last night’s elimination game, it just “donned” on me (pun-intended), that what we are currently watching as Jazz fans is truly incredible. We’ve known for years that Donovan Mitchell is by far the biggest personality both on and off the court that Utah has ever had come through it’s franchise. What he just did in an NBA playoff series, and the way that he did it, is special. He’s just so good, and sometimes it still takes me a little bit by surprise. He has elevated his play once again, and if it keeps going like this, the sky could be the limit.



:facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Rudy Gobert, on if the NBA does enough to promote small-market teams: “Whether you have superstars playing the Finals or great teams playing great basketball, it’s a win-win. (https://*********.com/social/) … The goal is to tell great stories, and if you have that, you can make a profit.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




Eric Walden: Rudy Gobert, on the 20-21 Utah Jazz’s story: “It’s a story of resiliency, it’s a story of overcoming adversity — it should be inspiring for anyone who’s paying attention. (https://*********.com/social/) … Now we have a chance to do something special. That adversity is gonna come in handy when things get hard.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/460857/jazz-western-conference-semifinal-mailbag/


Why Are The Jazz The NBA’s Top Rebounding Team

Because they have one of the best rebounders in the league. Still have had issues during the year playing small


Now entering his eighth season in the NBA, Gobert has the fifth-highest career rebounding percentage in league history. Not just this season, but all time. He trails only Andre Drummond, Dennis Rodman, Reggie Evans, and DeAndre Jordan all time.



:bowdown:


Is Time Off Before The Second Round Good?

for Conley it is. Doubt it's enough time though


However, the Jazz were also playing without Donovan Mitchell in game one, but pretty easily dismissed Memphis once the fourth-year star returned to the floor.



or once Gobert stayed on the floor anyway


Regardless of when the series opens, the Jazz won’t play game three in the series until next Saturday, so Conley could get as many as 10 days off if he misses games one and two of the second round.



could be down 0-2


But even last season before the Jazz were eliminated Mitchell said it was a focus going into the bubble to become a better passer.



more about being a more willing passer


With his ability to get in the paint, and excellent touch as a passer, there’s no reason his passing won’t continue to improve throughout his career. If Conley does miss games, he could see his assist numbers skyrockets in the second round.



more likely his shot attempts sky rocket


Do Clippers Or Mavericks Have Better Coach?

Carlisle. It's not close


Rick Carlise might be the best coach in the NBA, so that is probably the short answer to that question. However, Tyron Lue made the wise decision to go small against the Mavericks hoping to neutralize their three-point shooting to open the series and it also worked.



also beat the Jazz going small since Snyder won't change what he does by going big


The first coach who can figure this out will have accomplished something significant because truthfully, nobody has stopped Doncic.



didn't score on Gobert last time they played. Should have success if they keep him on the perimeter


What is concerning is how well Conley played against the Clippers in the series opener when he scored 33 points while LA focused on their defense on Mitchell. Conley is a terrific release valve for Mitchell, and the Jazz will miss him if he is out for any period of time.



their 2nd best player.


Mostly I think it has to do with the amount of time he spends on the floor with Gobert. When Ingles shares the floor with the All-NBA big man, he gets more open threes and easy lanes to the basket.



strange how that works. Gobert must be ok?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50180249/ryan-miller-the-nba-is-obsessed-with-big-markets-it-doesnt-need-to-be


"It's a story of resiliency. It's a story of overcoming adversity," he said. "I think it should be inspiring for everybody out there that pays attention."



the same people that think Mitchell carries the Jazz are paying attention?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/4/22516096/utah-jazz-left-waiting-as-clippers-and-mavericks-will-settle-things-in-a-game-7-on-sunday


The Jazz likely welcome the Clippers-Mavericks series extending to seven games, not only because of the wear it puts on their opponent but also to allow extra time for Mike Conley (https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22517864/mike-conley-mild-right-hamstring-strain-will-be-reevaluated-before-utah-jazz-next-nba-playoffs-game) (right hamstring) and Donovan Mitchell (https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22486778/under-the-weather-donovan-mitchell-led-utah-jazz-in-statement-game-to-close-out-memphis-grizzlies) (right ankle) to rest and recuperate.



If Mitchell isn't healthy he shouldn't have been playing period. Can't sit Conley sadly

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/5/22508988/nba-playoffs-utah-jazz-why-are-so-few-paying-attention-to-team


This has been building for a long time. In the last 38 years the Jazz have qualified for the playoffs 30 times, but of course they never won a championship, although they appeared in two NBA Finals. They have been a model of efficiency. Even after they lost Stockton and Malone to retirement, and then lost Gordon Hayward to the free-agent thievery and dumped Deron Williams — both considered the future of the team at the time — the Jazz didn’t take long to reload.



Hayward was the future over their best player?

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Quin: “We’re familiar with their personnel — it doesn’t matter if it’s 2 guys or 5 guys or 11 guys … There’s no danger that we’re not gonna be aware, (https://*********.com/social/) or they’re gonna catch us by surprise with what their guys are capable of. That doesn’t mean we’re gonna be able to stop them.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, on the Jazz being off since last Wednesday: “We rested [before the Grizzlies series] and didn’t have quite the level of continuity that we wanted in that first game. It cuts both ways (https://*********.com/social/) — sometimes continuity and timing trumps rest.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, on the Clippers: “Because [Leonard and George are] such great players, there’s some tendency not to talk about other guys on their team (https://*********.com/social/) — guys like Mann coming in, what Morris did today, Kennard, the defense that Batum played.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)





Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, on LAC’s versatility: “You’re not going to be able to take everything away, but you have to make adjustments. (https://*********.com/social/) You usually know more as the series progresses, and you make some assumptions on the front end, and you go from there. … Their depth makes them unique.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Andrew Greif: Ty Lue calls Utah a “tough team,” then praised Utah’s movement and Quin Snyder (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Donovan Mitchell, on the health of his ankle: “It’s good. I’m ready to go. Time off was great, but definitely missed playing. But the ankle is great.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)





Eric Walden: Donovan Mitchell, on Kawhi Leonard: “The thing I respect about Kawhi — everybody talks about his two-way ability, which is obviously elite — but it’s his will to win. … He does everything.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)







Mark Medina: Donovan Mitchell on last year’s Jazz team squandering 3-1 series lead to Nuggets. “In some respects, it was good that it happened. You learn a lot from losses.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter MarkG_Medina (https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina)






Eric Walden: Donovan Mitchell, on the importance of Mike Conley: “He’s seen a lot, he was part of an 8 seed that beat a 1 seed. … He’s a calm and cooling presence. Never seen Mike have a bad day, which helps keep the mood light.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




wish you cared about D

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Bojan Bogdanovic, on Kawhi Leonard: “He’s probably the best two-way player in the league, the way he played against Dallas. … The challenge is going to be keeping in front and making him take and make tough shots.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)





Ben Anderson: Bojan Bogdanovic on Mike Conley who went through portions of practice today with the @Utah Jazz. “We’re going to really miss him if he won’t play.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)




Wish you played D too! Don't need Mike. Mitchell is best player Bojan! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Andy Larsen: Mike Conley participated in portions of practice today — but the team will wait to announce his status for Game 1 until this afternoon (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)

[Xiao Yao You]

Ainge’s departure from Boston, meanwhile, was not nearly as unexpected around the NBA as Stevens’ new position. There have been whispers about his connection to new Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith for some time. (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2944246-inside-boston-celtics-heavily-scrutinized-transition-of-power) And additional rumblings persist about potential changes coming within Utah’s front office at the urging of new minority partner Dwyane Wade, despite Utah’s success this year. The Celtics messaged that Ainge “retired” from his post and will serve a senior advisory role to Boston’s ownership group, but since his departure, Ainge has also been linked by league sources to possibly joining Portland in some capacity as well.
– via Jake Fischer @ Bleacher Report (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2944246-inside-boston-celtics-heavily-scrutinized-transition-of-power)

[Xiao Yao You]

The chatter is that Gobert is vulnerable away from the basket Los Angeles is almost certainly going to go small in large doses with Marcus Morris Sr. at center. (https://theathletic.com/2636415/2021/06/07/keys-for-the-jazz-vs-the-clippers-rudy-goberts-presence-stopping-3s-and-mike-conleys-health/) The chatter is that Gobert isn’t effective offensively against switching defenses. The Clippers will switch everything whenever Ivica Zubac isn’t on the floor, which figures to be plenty. The chatter is that Gobert gets cooked defensively when he encounters switches. The Clippers will try and get him switched onto Paul George or Kawhi Leonard plenty.

– via Tony Jones @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/2636415/2021/06/07/keys-for-the-jazz-vs-the-clippers-rudy-goberts-presence-stopping-3s-and-mike-conleys-health/)




good luck. You'll need it Clipps

[Xiao Yao You]

The chatter is that Gobert is vulnerable away from the basket Los Angeles is almost certainly going to go small in large doses with Marcus Morris Sr. at center. (https://theathletic.com/2636415/2021/06/07/keys-for-the-jazz-vs-the-clippers-rudy-goberts-presence-stopping-3s-and-mike-conleys-health/) The chatter is that Gobert isn’t effective offensively against switching defenses. The Clippers will switch everything whenever Ivica Zubac isn’t on the floor, which figures to be plenty. The chatter is that Gobert gets cooked defensively when he encounters switches. The Clippers will try and get him switched onto Paul George or Kawhi Leonard plenty.

– via Tony Jones @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/2636415/2021/06/07/keys-for-the-jazz-vs-the-clippers-rudy-goberts-presence-stopping-3s-and-mike-conleys-health/)




yep. Where's Mitchell's big games been?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50181394/patrick-kinahan-credibility-at-stake-for-jazz-against-clippers


As impressive as the first-round win was, the Jazz won't get much credit for beating a team that was clearly overmatched. Even Memphis' only win was considered somewhat of a fluke with extenuating circumstances by virtue of Donovan Mitchell unable to play with an ankle injury. With Mitchell back, the Jazz won four consecutive games and rarely trailed in any of them.



the bigger fluke was Gobert in rare foul trouble


No excuses now, unless a rash of injuries decimates the roster. Not even missing guard Mike Conley (https://www.ksl.com/article/50179507/mike-conleys-mri-reveals-mild-right-hamstring-strain-hell-be-re-evaluated-ahead-of-game-1), who is listed as day-to-day with a mild hamstring strain, is enough to justify the favored Jazz blowing this series.



yeah right. Their 2nd best player. M<ore Mitchell and Clarkson :roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50181014/the-challenge-of-the-clippers-quin-snyder-explains-what-awaits-the-jazz-in-round-2


When Morris plays at center, the Clippers have a shooter at every position and can also switch nearly everything on defense (Utah's Achilles' heel in the past).



I thought Rubio and Favors in the corner were?


"The playoffs I won't say come down only to matchups, but certainly matchups are a big part of it," Snyder said. "And you're going to have what you consider to be better matchups than others, but hopefully we have some advantages there at certain places as well."



you could have advantages if you chose but you will play the same guys no matter what

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/460852/utah-jazz-vs-los-angeles-clippers-series-preview/


“The first quarter I felt a little tug or whatever in my hammy, I came to the bench and made the staff aware,” Conley said. “I told them I’d try to just run on it and play through it and see how it feels, and it just kept getting sorer and sorer the more I was running on it.”



stupid!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/6/22516127/utah-jazz-will-rest-be-beneficial-or-detrimental-against-la-clippers-donovan-mitchell-mike-conley


Will rest be beneficial or detrimental for the Utah Jazz against the LA Clippers?


Conley is hurt? You serious?


There’s no way of knowing if the Jazz lost that game due to being out of rhythm, having lost some continuity over the break between the regular season and postseason, or because they were caught off guard by the aggressiveness of the Grizzlies, or if they just weren’t prepared enough. No matter the reason, the Jazz are hoping they can avoid repeating a Game 1 loss, so finding a balance in preparation is important.



we do know they likely win if Gobert isn't in rare foul trouble

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/6/22520432/utah-jazz-will-play-los-angeles-clippers-in-western-conference-semifinals-nba-playoffs-kawhi-leonard


Slow starts and early turnovers won’t cut it this time around. The Jazz will need to compete at the highest level from the opening tip of Game 1.



good luck with that!


With excellent perimeter defenders in Leonard and Paul George, the Jazz might look to score more on the interior than they might have against a different team. Either way, well-timed screens and hard rolls with intention will either lead to opportunities for Gobert or create space for a shooter to get open.



will miss Conley

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/6/22520657/could-the-utah-jazz-trade-for-damian-lillard-portland-trail-blazers-donovan-mitchell-weber-state


It remains to be seen if Lillard will get moved by the Portland Trail Blazers, but if he does, could the Utah Jazz get the former Weber State star?

probably could but they prefer Mitchell


Lillard signed a four-year, $196 million supermax contract extension in 2019 that will kick in next season, which will see him make $39.3 million next season, per Spotrac (https://www.spotrac.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/damian-lillard-10814/). The least drastic of the two frameworks would be trading a combination of rotation players such as Bojan Bogdanovic and two of Royce O’Neale, Jordan Clarkson, Joe Ingles or Derrick Favors plus perhaps another player who doesn’t make very much money (Mike Conley will be a free agent and thus cannot be traded this offseason).



that's not getting him


For Portland, the thinking would be that it may want/need to move on from Lillard, but want to remain competitive by getting good players for him instead of bottoming out by trading him to a team for draft assets. A core of CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, and two of the above-listed Jazz players might not have real star power, but could probably contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.



no it couldn't


The thought process: As excellent as Mitchell is right now at age 24, Lillard is more proven as a star in the playoffs at age 30 (he’ll be 31 next month). The Jazz could bring the 33-year-old Conley back in free agency this summer and have the Conley-Lillard backcourt play alongside the 32-year-old Bogdanovic, 28-year-old O’Neale (birthday was on Saturday) and 28-year-old Gobert (will be 29 on June 26).



Conley makes less since with him than he does now

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/6/22522144/can-the-utah-jazz-beat-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-round-2-donovan-mitchell-kawhi-leonard


Kawhi Leonard is probably the consensus best player in the series but the next three players there’s definitely room for debate. How do Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert stack up compared to Paul George.



Mitchell doesn't. Conley does


How healthy is Mike Conley? Will he make it through this series?



the only question that matters

[Xiao Yao You]

https://thejnotes.com/2021/06/07/utah-jazz-can-beat-clippers-mike-conley/


However, maybe of almost equal importance, Conley is a far better defender on the perimeter than Ingles and Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/clarkjo01.html), who would likely see the most significant uptick in minutes should the Jazz take the floor without their starting floor general.



where they will miss him most

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Clippers coach Ty Lue says the biggest improvement he’s seen from Donovan Mitchell is “his shooting. … Teams can’t just play him to drive anymore.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)





Law Murray: Lue says that plays were basically out of the window vs Mavericks after Game 2. Adds that preparing for Jazz is similar, except that Utah has a dynamic roller in Rudy Gobert instead of the more frequent five-out lineups that the Clippers had to deal with defending the Mavericks (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)






Andrew Greif: Ty Lue said regardless of Mike Conley’s status, Utah is difficult because the Jazz play the right way “no matter who is on the floor.” Said Utah basically inserts Ingles as a 6-8 PG when Conley hasn’t been available (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)







NBA Central: Karl Malone is ready for Game 1 tomorrow (https://*********.com/social/) (@KarlMalonejr63) pic.twitter.com/rXjq13OsoS

Karl Malone is ready for Game 1 tomorrow

(@KarlMalonejr63 (https://twitter.com/KarlMalonejr63?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)) pic.twitter.com/rXjq13OsoS (https://t.co/rXjq13OsoS)

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) June 7, 2021 (https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/status/1402033303109128196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)


– via Twitter TheNBACentral (https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral)

[Xiao Yao You]

Law Murray: Lue on Jazz: “We know we gotta do a better job this series than we did last series of taking away the 3-point shot, making those guys put the ball on the floor, and then having our back line ready to help.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)

[Xiao Yao You]

Tim Reynolds: EXTREMELY close race: Monty Williams was second, but actually got more first-place votes than Tom Thibodeau. Quin Snyder was third (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter ByTimReynolds (https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds)

[El Kabong]

https://sports.yahoo.com/danny-ainge-may-not-retired-130028023.html

There would be a couple of possibilities if Ainge were to come to Utah. One is that Lindsey moves on to another franchise to run its organization, and Ainge steps into Lindsey’s role. The other is Ainge takes on more of a Jerry West-style consultant role advising new owner Smith and having a voice in the Jazz front office, but not the final say.

Can't say I expected to hear that!

[Xiao Yao You]

Can't say I expected to hear that!

I would guess he'd be more of an advisor at this stage. Hr had a heart attack which is the main reason he left Boston I think

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50181698/the-spotlight-will-be-bright-on-donovan-mitchell-against-the-clippers-good-thing-hes-ready-for-it


Mitchell offered up a pretty simple explanation for the lack of assists that night: He was too excited to be back. He described it like being "a kid in a candy shop" — the rim was the alluring chocolate bar and everything else seemed to just vanish.



what is your excuse the rest of the time?


That's the superstar version of Mitchell. Not the assist numbers, mind you, but the ability to analyze the game and know just how to manipulate a defense. He played 120 minutes in the first round and scored 114 points — all after missing nearly six weeks.



only the last game was. Can he play D now too?


Gobert can't punish smaller players in the post, though he should be able to feast on the offensive boards — or at least he must for the Jazz to be competitive. Utah's guards will then be tasked to break the paint themselves, and that means all eyes will be on Mitchell, especially if Mike Conley is forced to miss time.



He will punish guys if they get him the ball


The Jazz have seen switching defenses all year, including against this Clippers team, and they still finished with the best record in the league. Oh, and Mitchell is starting to be like the LeBrons, the Stephs and the Kawhis of the league — the playoff experience is starting to add up. He's been in the second round, faced defenses centered around stopping him, and been to a Game 7. That's all going to help as he stares down Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers.



let's put him up with 3 of the best ever! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/7/22520431/a-small-market-team-like-the-utah-jazz-making-a-run-to-the-nba-finals-is-what-the-league-needs


If the Jazz make it to the Finals with Donovan Mitchell leading the way or the Suns make it with Devin Booker scoring at historic levels, there will be lifelong fans forged in those runs.



their top two players aren't leading the way?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/7/22523556/how-much-will-the-la-clippers-go-small-against-the-utah-jazz


Almost immediately after it was determined on Sunday that the Utah Jazz will face the LA Clippers in the second round of the NBA playoffs (https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/7/22516755/utah-jazz-vs-la-clippers-second-round-matchups-analysis), a major question that arose was how the Jazz will deal with the potential of the Clippers playing large stretches with no traditional big men on the floor.



they're going small to deal with Gobert. If Snyder was great he might put Ersan in and really make them pay but he won't

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/7/22516755/utah-jazz-vs-la-clippers-second-round-matchups-analysis


The Jazz’s All-Star guard has grown and become more efficient with each season, with each playoff series, with each game. Mitchell finished with an incredibly efficient 30 points and 10 assists in the series-winning Game 5 (https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22463506/analysis-donovan-mitchell-leads-utah-jazz-in-closeout-game-over-memphis-grizzlies-nba-playoffs) rout of the Memphis Grizzlies, but can he reach an even higher level as the competition level increases through the postseason? All eyes will be on Mitchell, wondering what else he can do to elevate himself and his teammates. This series against the Clippers, should the Jazz prevail, could end up being a defining moment for Mitchell’s career, catapulting him from star to superstar.



can he defend?


• The health of Mike Conley (https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22517864/mike-conley-mild-right-hamstring-strain-will-be-reevaluated-before-utah-jazz-next-nba-playoffs-game) is going to be a huge factor in this series. If he can play and play effectively, despite dealing with a strained hamstring, the Jazz will have a much better shot. If he’s not able to play or is hampered by the injury, the Jazz will need to be even better to pick up the slack.



no chance without him


Slow starts, letting go of leads, streaky bench play

selfish play from Mitchell and Clarkson. Too much Bojan and Favors. COTY


Just as Gobert is a strength for the Jazz, not having a comparable center is a problem for the Clippers — a 7-foot-2, rim-running, shot-blocking problem. The Clippers just don’t have someone on their roster that can go toe-to-toe with Gobert in the paint.



Zubac is pretty good. Hopefully they play Demarcus!!! :cheers:


This series is not going to be easy, but if the Jazz can take care of business at home, and own things on the defensive end, they could wear the Clippers down and frustrate them into bad shot selection. The Jazz have what it takes to win this series and I think that they will.



Conley not even a factor! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/7/22507726/utah-jazz-who-do-la-clippers-have-beside-kawhi-leonard-and-paul-george-reggie-jackson-marcus-morris


If the the Clippers were to have a “Big 3,” Morris would likely have the best argument to be included. A versatile defender who is called upon to defend nearly every position, Morris has legitimate 3-point range — he shot 47.3% from being the arc this season — and the ability, when absolutely necessary, to become a primary offensive option. A nine-year pro out of Kansas, Morris didn’t have the best series against the Mavericks, but he is a key cog in what the Clippers do.



why does everyone have to have a big 3?


Now the Clippers’ starting point guard — he was a reserve as recently as Game 2 of the Dallas series — Jackson was a pickup on the buyout market (during the 2020 season) who has become an integral part of LA’s success. Jackson played in 67 games during the regular season and shot a career-best 43.3% from 3-point range. A one-time max player with the Detroit Pistons, Jackson was excellent against the Mavericks, averaging 15.4 points a game, and could be a wild card against the Jazz.



didn't use to hit the 3 or defend and now does both?


This is where the line between starter and reserve begins to blur a little. For much of the season, Batum was the Clippers’ sixth man, but he shifted into the starting lineup against the Mavericks after LA fell behind in the series. A 12-year pro out of France, Batum has been a key piece on a good Portland Trail Blazers team, an overpaid disaster on a horrible Charlotte Hornets team, and now a solid-to-good forward on the Clippers. Like Morris and Jackson, Batum shot well from behind the arc during the regular season (40.4%), but dropped off a bit in the series against the Mavericks. His all-around versatile game and ability to guard every position makes him a plug and play type of player.



Imagine if the Jazz had got him instead? COTY might not have even played him though


For much of the season, Zubac was the Clippers’ starting center and a good one at that. The four-year pro out of Croatia played in all 72 regular season games and was largely the Clippers’ main option in the paint. He started the first three games of the Dallas series, before the adjustment was made to shift him to the bench. Against the Jazz and Rudy Gobert, though, Zubac will likely have to make a significant reappearance (he played only three minutes in the Clippers’ Game 7 win over the Mavs).



now he's a good one?


The former Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans star has bounced around the NBA in recent seasons, after injuries upended what was once one of the most promising careers. Cousins could see spot minutes if the Clippers decide to go big as an answer to Gobert, but he didn’t play a single minute against the Mavericks.



Please play him. I want to see Gobert frustrate him and bring him to tears like the old days!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/key-factors-in-the-clippers-jazz-matchup/


We’ll start by getting the obvious out of the way: the Jazz need Mike Conley Jr., and his availability is very much in question. How much he plays may be the biggest factor in the series.



Even if he plays if he's hurt they have no chance


With Serge Ibaka ruled out of the series opener with back spasms, Gobert will face off against Ivica Zubac and, when the Clippers go small, Marcus Morris. This matchup could dictate the outcome of the series. Ty Lue tipped his hand in the third Jazz-Clipper game of the regular season, playing Morris at center for the last portion of the game. This move was successful, ultimately leading to a Los Angeles win. But Morris played exceptionally well in the fourth quarter, and Kawhi Leonard stole some key offensive rebounds. The Jazz were likely a bit surprised in the moment. But now they have plenty of time to prepare for that matchup. If Gobert can leverage his lob threat and dominate the offensive glass he can make the Clippers pay.



it paid off because COTY won't counter with any changes of his own


Zubac has looked sluggish and saw reduced minutes in the Mavericks series. Since he can’t spread the floor, Lue may not want to play him against Gobert. If he does play, look for the Jazz to hunt him on defense.



one of the best pick and roll defenders in the league


This is a big stage and the perfect opportunity for Gobert to shine and prove doubters wrong. He won’t be tasked with shutting down Kawhi or Paul George, but his defensive scheming will be key to shutting down the paint, allowing perimeter defenders to aggressively guard the most accurate 3-point shooting team in the league.



He will be tasked with stopping them and the rest of the Clippers. How much help he gets is the question


The Jazz will have a significant rest advantage, spending over a week without travel before the second round starts. That extra time is especially important for Mike Conley’s hamstring and Mitchell’s ankle.



Mitchell's ankle? After forcing himself on to the floor that better not be an issue at this point


Mitchell’s ceiling has always been the biggest factor is Utah’s ceiling, and he can elevate his game at the same rate Kawhi can, the superstar advantage LA has claimed may be moot.



Conley is


Beyond the keys above, there are so many smaller questions. Can Joe Ingles return to form and get under George’s skin? Who does Lue give guard minutes to between Rondo, Beverly, Luke Kennard, and Reggie Jackson? Can Quin Snyder outmaneuver Ty Lue from a tactical standpoint? Will a full capacity Utah crowd shake the experienced Clippers? Can Utah’s plethora of ball handlers beat a heavily switching defense? Will Utah scheme allow or scheme against mid-range shots? Will Bojan be targeted on defense?



COTY maneuvering? They'll target Mitchell and Clarkson first


To be honest, this matchup may just come down to who shoots best, as simplistic has that sounds. These are two of the best shooting teams in the league, and as evenly matched as they are, it may boil down to a make-or-miss matchup.



it will come down to D. Jazz have to be a lot better than they were in the last series

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/6/22522144/can-the-utah-jazz-beat-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-round-2-donovan-mitchell-kawhi-leonard


Kawhi Leonard is probably the consensus best player in the series but the next three players there’s definitely room for debate. How do Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert stack up compared to Paul George.



How does Mitchell stack up against Conley? He doesn't

[Xiao Yao You]

https://thejnotes.com/2021/06/07/utah-jazz-can-beat-clippers-mike-conley/


Utah Jazz: Can they beat the Clippers without Mike Conley?

no


However, maybe of almost equal importance, Conley is a far better defender on the perimeter than Ingles and Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/clarkjo01.html), who would likely see the most significant uptick in minutes should the Jazz take the floor without their starting floor general.



D is where they will miss him most though he won't be on either of their top two players so not as big as it usually is

[Xiao Yao You]

No need for FaceTime. Nicolas Batum and Rudy Gobert will be seeing plenty of one another during the next two weeks. “It’s always fun to match up against guys from your country, same country in the playoffs,” Batum said after contributing 11 points and five assists in the Clippers’ 126-111 victory Sunday over Dallas in Game 7 of their first-round series. “I’ve faced Tony [Parker] before, but I’ve never faced Rudy. So it’s going to be a very good matchup (https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2021-06-08/clippers-jazz-game-1-preview-rudy-gobert-nicolas-batum).
– via Andrew Greif @ Los Angeles Times (https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2021-06-08/clippers-jazz-game-1-preview-rudy-gobert-nicolas-batum)





“He had a great season. I guess maybe he’s going to be the defensive player of the year. I hope he wins, he deserves it, but now we have to beat him. (https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2021-06-08/clippers-jazz-game-1-preview-rudy-gobert-nicolas-batum) We have to beat him now. Utah had a great, great season. Great players, great coaching staff, but we want the same thing. We have the same goal.”
– via Andrew Greif @ Los Angeles Times (https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2021-06-08/clippers-jazz-game-1-preview-rudy-gobert-nicolas-batum)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, on the role of Joe Ingles: “Joe played the point for about the last month of the season, and that’s a heavy load. I don’t think anyone would call Joe a point guard — he is a playmaker. HE’s also one of the top catch-and-shoot 3-point shooters in the league.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




Ben Anderson: The @Utah Jazz were 8-2 this season when Mike Conley didn’t play but Donovan Mitchell did (https://*********.com/social/). The two losses came against the Washington Wizards.
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)

[Xiao Yao You]

Tim MacMahon: Jazz PG Mike Conley Jr. (mild right hamstring strain) is out for Game 1 tonight against the Clippers, (https://*********.com/social/) per the team.
– via Twitter espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)





Mark Medina: Jazz coach Quin Snyder on Mike Conley: “Hopefully we get him back as quickly as possibly. But this is hard to predict (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter MarkG_Medina (https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina)






Tim MacMahon: Jazz coach Quin Snyder notes that Mike Conley will be especially missed due to his ability to attack switches off the dribble. He expects Clippers to stay with small lineup to pull Rudy Gobert away from rim defensively. “There’s really no mystery to that,” Snyder said (https://*********.com/social/).

– via Twitter espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)







Eric Walden: Jazz coach Quin Snyder: “Obviously, we’re a matchup that the Clippers felt was advantageous to them.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Jordan Clarkson, on if the Clippers were targeting a matchup with the Jazz: “If they were losing games trying to come play us, that’s the fate they chose. We’re gonna come out there and lace ’em up.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)





Eric Walden: Jordan Clarkson, on the message from Quin Snyder: “We’re really just focused on being ourselves, bro. That’s offensively and defensively. … Our biggest message is being ourselves and being aggressive and doing what we do.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)






Eric Walden: Jordan Clarkson: “I gotta make more plays for my teammates. Still stay aggressive, but make more plays for others. I gotta really step into that role.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)






Ben Anderson: Jordan Clarkson wore a Lakers Kobe Bryant jersey before they face the crosstown rival Clippers. Take that for what you will. (https://*********.com/social/) pic.twitter.com/5fotvo5QMe

Jordan Clarkson wore a Lakers Kobe Bryant jersey before they face the crosstown rival Clippers.
Take that for what you will. pic.twitter.com/5fotvo5QMe (https://t.co/5fotvo5QMe)
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 8, 2021 (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1402326774273298433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)


– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)







Eric Walden: Jordan Clarkson, on Mike Conley’s absence: “It’s just gonna push other guys to step up tonight. … We still gotta stay aggressive, take our shots, stick to the system. It’s a huge void to fill.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




Clarkson likes Kobe. Never would have guessed

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, on the keys for the Jazz: “Attack offensively … push the ball up the court, play with the pass, make quick decisions. (https://*********.com/social/) And on the def end, Rudy’s unique — we’ve spent all years trying to find the ways to best utilize him. And the Clippers make that difficult.”

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)



time for some other guys to step up and help him for a change




Mark Medina: Jazz coach Quin Snyder described Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard as “the best mid-range player.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter MarkG_Medina (https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina)







Andrew Greif: Utah’s Quin Snyder starts by saying that “there’s a little bit of pick your poison” on how you defend PG and Kawhi, (https://*********.com/social/) whose unselfish passing he praised as much as their individual shot-making.

– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)

[Xiao Yao You]

Ohm Youngmisuk: Ty Lue on if he’s offended that Quin Snyder said that the Clippers felt it was advantageous to face the Jazz: “I’m not offended by anything.” Lue added that if the Jazz want to use that as bulletin board material, so be it (https://*********.com/social/) but the Clippers had to survive the first round vs Dallas
– via Twitter NotoriousOHM (https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM)




Mirjam Swanson: Ty Lue says: “We’re gonna be ready. … no excuses. (https://*********.com/social/) We had a tough series against Dallas, which prepared us for this series as well. No excuses.”
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50182289/mike-conley-will-miss-game-1-as-jazz-ready-for-a-clippers-team-that-wanted-to-play-them


Joe Ingles will likely slide into the starting lineup where he has had great success this season. And, in a case of looking for a silver lining, that actually will align the Jazz a little more naturally on defense. Ingles will take Paul George (and potentially resurrect an old playoff rivalry from 2018), Royce O'Neale will take Kawhi Leonard, and that leaves Mitchell to take whatever guard the Clippers have out there. With Conley in the lineup, Mitchell likely would have had to deal with George, at least initially.



Mitchell and Bojan :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/8/22523193/live-coverage-utah-jazz-la-clippers-square-off-in-game-1-of-2nd-round-nba-playoffs-mike-conley


Against a switching defense like the one the Clippers employ, the best weapon is ball movement. To avoid the ball sticking and being forced into isolation plays, the Jazz will need to be more thoughtful and deliberate with their drive-and-kicks and swinging the ball around. Conley is very good at attacking switches and making the right reads. Without him, it means that the Jazz’s ball movement and spacing must be even better than before.



more Clarkson and Mitchell. Good luck with that

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/elite-clippers-jazz-square-off-in-battle-of-wills/


In whatever games Mike Conley Jr. misses — he’s been ruled out for Game 1 — this will look a little different. His absence will promote Joe Ingles into more of a ball handling role, and he will need to be much more aggressive than he was in round one. At the back of the rotation, Conley’s absence means we’ll see Miye Oni for a few minutes here or there to bridge rest times. Like O’Neale, Oni will have to make sure he’s ready to make the Clipper wings actually guard him, but in a playoff rotation he probably won’t see a ton of time.



could play Ersan but won't :facepalm


Conley being out introduces more size into Utah’s rotations, but comes with an undeniable cost in terms of playmaking, especially if the Clippers employ aggressive schemes that demand instantaneous reads from Jazz ball handlers. It also makes the bench units more reliant on Clarkson to some degree, and that can either go really well for Utah… or really poorly.



likely poorly


Leonard and George will screen for each other a lot, and they’ll involve Morris (a 47% 3-point shooter this season) in actions as well. This means Bogdanovic will play a more central role in pick-and-roll defense than he is used to. Frankly, even Mitchell is going to have to play a huge role on the defensive end. He’s shown himself capable of that for stretches throughout his career, but will he have the juice to use 30-40% of the Jazz’s possessions and also check someone like PG-13? And again, O’Neale will be hugely important. One would think he’ll spend most of him time on Kawhi, but all of the Clippers’ unique P&R combinations will result in O’Neale getting switched.



going to get ugly


Their size is another reason why there are bound to be some awkward defensive matchups for Utah. The Jazz nearly always have two of Conley, Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson on the floor together, but most of LAC’s lineups configurations have just one guy smaller than Kawhi’s 6-foot-7 frame. George, Morris and Batum are all 6-foot-8. So let’s say you have one of Utah’s smaller guards checking whichever of Jackson/Beverley is on the court — who is the other one guarding? (The answer here is surely someone like Batum who’s not going to just attack that mismatch 1-on-1. But at 6-foot-8, he can just as easily elevate over the closeout of a diminutive guard and still get a clean look.)



Ersan? :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://thejnotes.com/2021/06/08/utah-jazz-caution-costing-championship/


With that in mind, though, the franchise’s safety-first decision-makers may, in fact, deserve some blame for Conley’s injury. After all, had they not erred on the side of extreme caution by keeping All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mitchdo01.html) out of action — against his will, mind you — in the Game 1 loss to the Grizzlies, the squad probably wouldn’t have needed five games to advance in the first place.



you have no idea. Gobert was in foul trouble Mitchell doesn't necessarily make them better. What if Mitchell gets hurt in game 1 because he's not 100%? Same thinking with Mike

[Xiao Yao You]

Jorge Sierra: Donovan Mitchell has as many 40-point games in the playoffs as Karl Malone (https://*********.com/social/). (Playoff games: Karl Malone 193, Donovan Mitchell 28).
– via Twitter ********* (https://twitter.com/*********)





The Vertical: Donovan Mitchell says he’s grateful for Dwyane Wade’s guidance from the sideline (https://*********.com/social/) ?? pic.twitter.com/H4SizGpozr
– via Twitter YahooSportsNBA (https://twitter.com/YahooSportsNBA)






Eric Walden: Bojan Bogdanovic, on Donovan Mitchell’s growth: “It’s just amazing how mature he’s become this season. He was really reading the game. … We were missing great shots, and then in the third quarter, he took the game over.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)






Ben Anderson: Bojan Bogdanovic on having 18K @Utah Jazz fans back in Vivint Arena: “It’s probably the loudest crowd that I played in front of here in NBA even when we were down.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)






Ben Anderson: Rudy Gobert on the final play: “I kind of fake helped and I knew that he was going to pass to Morris for three so I just tried to contest as much as I can.” (https://*********.com/social/) @KSLSports #TakeNote
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)











And with 1:37 left, the taunt of choice, and the loudest of the night, was an “overrated” chant that many of the 18,007 fans echoed throughout a packed Vivint Arena in Utah’s 112-109 win. Jazz fans have been going at George since he played for Oklahoma City when the Thunder faced the Jazz in the 2018 playoffs. George said he welcomes the taunts. “I like it,” George said. “That part doesn’t get to me. It’s all respect. I’ve had good games here and I’ve had bad games here.” (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31595135/la-clippers-paul-george-welcomes-fan-taunts-vows-more-decisive-play-game-2)
– via Ohm Youngmisuk @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31595135/la-clippers-paul-george-welcomes-fan-taunts-vows-more-decisive-play-game-2)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461111/jazz-absorb-opening-blow-take-game-one-over-la/


Royce O’Neale: Few players have impacted the Jazz five straight playoff wins more glaringly, yet quietly than Royce O’Neale. In addition to holding Paul George to a miserable 4-17 shooting night, O’Neale continued to be a terror on the glass pulling down 11 rebounds on the night, including five in the final 10 minutes of the game to secure the win.



he's never been better! :bowdown:


Miye Oni: Oni was forced into the lineup as the Jazz were without Mike Conley due to the veteran’s ongoing hamstring injury. Oni struggled to defend without fouling most of the game but grabbed two offensive rebounds in the third quarter to force the Clippers into extra defensive possessions on tired legs.



no one forced it but COTY

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/9/22522649/analysis-utah-jazz-defense-delivers-first-punch-in-series-against-la-clippers-nba-playoffs-game-1


The Jazz missed 20 consecutive shots in the first quarter and were 3-of-17 from 3-point range before a pair of Clarkson treys ended the drought. Those might seem like low notes, but the impressive thing was that the Jazz didn’t let their poor shooting dictate their defense. To miss that many shots and only be down by 13 at the half is honestly impressive. They held Leonard and Paul George, two amazing offensive players, to a combined 12 points in the first half. Truthfully, the Jazz’s shots were good looks. They were generating exactly the type of shots that they wanted and they didn’t stop shooting them and didn’t stop creating them. This is one of the best shooting teams the NBA has ever seen and eventually those shots are going to fall, as they did in the second half.



quit saying it's a good look when Clarkson is shooting it.


The Jazz did a great job of containing Leonard and George in the first half but let Jackson and Kennard get going, and a lot of that was on Mitchell’s defense. Correctable mistakes, but notable.



he actually was noticeably better than usual


In the fourth quarter Kennard and Rajon Rondo were getting torched defensively and offering nothing on the other end of the floor. I don’t understand why Ty Lue didn’t take them out and instead bring in Nicolas Batum and Patrick Beverley.



same reason Snyder wouldn't if tit was reversed

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/8/22523193/live-coverage-utah-jazz-la-clippers-square-off-in-game-1-of-2nd-round-nba-playoffs-mike-conley


After allowing 60 points in the first half, Utah clamped down defensively in the second and allowed just 49. The Jazz were especially strong in the third quarter as they gave up just 19. That effort helped spark their offense as they climbed out of the 13-point halftime deficit to tie things up heading into the fourth quarter.



25 in first and 19 in 3rd. Other two sucked

[Xiao Yao You]

Joe Vardon: A Team Australia update. Even if the Jazz reach the Finals — and it goes seven games, meaning it ends July 22, a day before Olympic opening ceremony — Joe Ingles is playing for the Boomers. (https://*********.com/social/) ‘I’ll get on a plane the next day and I’ll make my way over to Japan.’ @The Athletic
– via Twitter joevardon (https://twitter.com/joevardon)

[Xiao Yao You]

Ben Anderson: Quin Snyder shares @Utah Jazz fans affection for Derrick Favors. “The amount of love I have for Fav runs on a pretty deep level.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)




as deep as Clarkson?

[Xiao Yao You]

Ben Anderson: Quin Snyder on the advice Dwyane Wade gives to Donovan Mitchel in-game: “I don’t ask a lot of questions about what they’re talking about. I trust that we’re all on the same page and there’s probably things that Dwyane’s capable of giving him that I’m not.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)




Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, on Dwyane Wade helping Donovan: “To have someone like that that has the experience, the intelligence, the feel for the game … is a resource we need. … I love it. I don’t ask a lot of questions about what they’re talking about; I trust we’re all on the same page.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)







Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, on Joe Ingles’ play: “It’s hard in my mind for Joe to take a bad shot, because he’s such a great shooter. … It’s always a little different when he’s a primary ballhandler, but I don’t think there’s a lack of comfort or hesitancy.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Law Murray: Zubac: “Obviously, we missed a great opportunity to take Game 1 on the road… every series is different.” Mentions that Clippers don’t want to mess around and go down 2-0 again (https://*********.com/social/) just because they did it last week.
– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)




Mirjam Swanson: Ivica Zubac on the Clippers’ improving physicality: “Can’t let them knock us off our spots … that’s about it. Hit-first mentality.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)






Mirjam Swanson: Zu on Ty Lue: “He treats everyone the same, he played with a lot of big-time players that’s why he knows how to hold everyone accountable and how to get them going. (https://*********.com/social/) He’s not gonna let someone off the hook in a film session or when we do scouting just because of their name.”
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)







Law Murray: Tyronn Lue has said repeatedly now and last night that Clippers need to do a better job of “owning our space” against physical Utah defense (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)





Ohm Youngmisuk: Ty Lue thought Joe Ingles and Royce O’Neale tried to wear down Paul George and Kawhi Leonard coming off of a short turnaround from Game 7 (https://*********.com/social/) and that the Clippers didn’t have a lot of pop in second half. He says Clippers have to own their own space and play physical vs Utah defense.
– via Twitter NotoriousOHM (https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM)

[Xiao Yao You]

Mirjam Swanson: Ty Lue on last series’ get-to-the-rim-or-die-trying mantra vs. Utah and Rudy Gobert: “Not right now.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Rudy Gobert, on who’s most responsible for his awards: “My mom. She sacrificed a lot. She believed in me as a kid. She allowed me to do what I wanted to do. (https://*********.com/social/) … Three of them is just amazing, and it’s on her. She gave me everything.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz’s Vivint Arena was on tilt, the crowd delirious over the home team having erased a 13-point halftime deficit in Game 1 of a Western Conference semifinal. The ball swung twice, ending up in Clarkson’s hands in the right corner, and he unleashed his sixth made 3-pointer with 9 minutes, 1 second to go. It was Jazz 91, Clippers 85, and, well, the noise inside … let’s just say no crowd had ever cheered for Clarkson before, not like that. “After you make it, it’s like it’s so loud that it gets quiet, to be honest with you,” Clarkson said (https://theathletic.com/2642674/2021/06/10/jazzs-jordan-clarkson-thriving-in-playoffs-vs-clippers-tyronn-lue-who-guided-him-on-postseason-ins-and-outs/) in a sitdown interview with The Athletic. “Yesterday it got to the point where, literally, it was blistering loud in there, where you actually couldn’t hear. You almost feel like everything is silent, it’s so loud. That’s one of the best feelings.”
– via Joe Vardon @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/2642674/2021/06/10/jazzs-jordan-clarkson-thriving-in-playoffs-vs-clippers-tyronn-lue-who-guided-him-on-postseason-ins-and-outs/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Joe Ingles, on how the Jazz offense rebounded in Gm1 2H: “We’re not planning to miss 21 [in a row] tonight. (https://*********.com/social/) That was the main thing we talked about in film today.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)





Eric Walden: Joe Ingles: “The whole narrative of Paul George vs. Joe Ingles is a little bit old in my mind. It’s Jazz vs. Clippers now. (https://*********.com/social/) … I personally don’t read into the 1-on-1 stuff. That was 3 years ago. My twins could barely speak then and now they annoy the hell out of me.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)







Eric Walden: Joe Ingles: “I’m sure you’re gonna hint at me not shooting well, so to answer your question before someone asks it, I’m gonna keep shooting even though I’m not shooting well.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Joe Ingles, on being a ‘utility player’: “My first goal was just to not get cut. … One of my first conversations with coach was him telling me to run to the corner and shoot 3s, and to defend, (https://*********.com/social/) and if I could do those two things, I had a pretty good chance to stick around.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




Mirjam Swanson: Ingles on Gobert’s third DPOY: “It’s nice to have a big 7-foot Frenchman behind you.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50183929/joe-ingles-downplays-so-called-rivalry-with-paul-george-as-he-steps-into-starting-lineup-for-mike-conley


"If he's 2 for 2, I'd rather have him be 1 for 9," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "That impacts the game as much as anything and that allows him to do other things."



the line of thinking that has given us Clarkson :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50182682/moments-that-he-lives-for-jazz-knew-gobert-would-come-up-big-on-final-block--the-clippers-didnt


Here's some advice to coach Lue for the future: The Jazz aren't going to take the soon-to-be three-time Defensive Player of the Year out for a defensive possession, no matter the circumstance.



what an idiot! :roll:


"I kind of faked help and I knew that he was gonna pass to Morris for the 3, so I just tried to contest as much as I can," Gobert said.





:bowdown:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/9/22523191/utah-jazz-rudy-gobert-two-most-important-sequences-vs-los-angeles-clippers


It’s a bold move to use a coach’s challenge in the second quarter of a playoff game, but the rewards outweighed the risks for Snyder. At that point there was no way of knowing how valuable that play and the decision to challenge that call would end up being. But, in the final seconds of the game it was obvious.



Bold? Use it when you can. He challenges things I wouldn't and a few he's been right!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/9/22527096/rudy-gobert-wins-the-2020-21-nba-defensive-player-of-the-year-award


The two voters who voted Gobert 3rd on this list need to be named so they can have their voting privileges taken away for stupidity and negligence.



like Boone voting Deron over Paul for ROTY? the only vote against Paul :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/9/22526526/utah-jazz-los-angeles-clippers-playoff-game-2-predictions


Mitchell won’t score 45 every night, but it’s likely to happen again

certainly won't be from lack of trying


Both Morris and Kennard are important support players with their shooting. But these two gave up a combined 44 points on defense per NBA.com with Jazz players shooting 16 of 29 when defended by either. Bojan Bogdanovic and Donovan Mitchell were the main culprits in exploiting these matchups. And when Mike Conley returns, you best bet he’ll get in on the action as well.



be interesting if Lue sticks with them like Donovan did with Melo. That was the series against OKC

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/9/22526131/utah-jazz-franchise-history-best-player-to-add-to-2021-nba-playoffs


Deron Williams

Andrei Kirilenko

Jeff Hornacek

Paul Millsap
Wes Matthews
Adrian Dantley
Mehmet Okur
Pete Maravich
Gordon Hayward

Thurl Bailey



How many do I get? Goodbye Clarkson, Bojan, Favors and Mitchell! I'd go Millsap if it's just one. PF obviously the glaring hole. Hayward would make sense but he wouldn't play there and AK isn't good enough shooter

[Xiao Yao You]

Law Murray: Tyronn Lue says that Donovan Mitchell got way too comfortable in Game 1 and had it too easy. (https://*********.com/social/) Says Clippers need to do a better job on giving him different looks and mixing it up defensively
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)





Mark Medina: Clippers coach Ty Lue on what he’s looking from Paul George for Game 2: “Shoot the basketball. Be aggressive. Do what you’ve been doing all year. (https://*********.com/social/) Don’t overthink it.”
– via Twitter MarkG_Medina (https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina)







Ben Anderson: Quin Snyder on how Rudy Gobert has improved: “His rim protection is still clearly the way that he impacts the game consistently on the highest level but it doesn’t stop there. (https://*********.com/social/) He’s able to make plays and still get back and protect the rim and get back and rebound.” @kslsports
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)







Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, on the off-court vibe brought by Jordan Clarkson: “The word that comes to mind is authenticity. (https://*********.com/social/) … He’s one of those people that, when he walks in the door, your day gets better. He’s got a magnetic personality.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50184141/jazz-clippers-live-blog-clippers-seek-to-even-series-with-game-2-in-utah


Lue says he'll plan to play 10-men deep in the first half, and re-evaluate the rotation at halftime. But one player who should be getting plenty of shots — besides Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, of course _ is Luke Kennard.



Cousins! :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

In other words, the Jazz have much more depth than the Mavericks do. The Mavericks have superstar Luka Doncic, whose effectiveness mostly dropped only because of a neck injury and occasionally because of Leonard’s defense. Otherwise, Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway only offered some flashes. “They weren’t ranked No. 1 in the West for no reason. This is a tough team. But we’re approaching this the same way Dallas was,” Clippers forward Paul George said. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/mark-medina/2021/06/11/clippers-have-tough-time-overcoming-0-2-deficit-jazz/7647469002/) “As good as they’re playing and as tough as this matchup is, we still feel like there’s moments throughout this game and this series that we’re making plays that are self inflicted. It’s a lot of uphill. But we’re optimistic that we can get this under control.”

– via Mark Medina @ USA Today Sports (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/mark-medina/2021/06/11/clippers-have-tough-time-overcoming-0-2-deficit-jazz/7647469002/)




What will it take for the Clippers not to be in a position to claw back against a dangerous Jazz team? What will it take for the Clippers to execute the way they want to from the jump? “We’re going to have to trust each other,” Jackson said. “We have to move the ball and move bodies. We have to be aggressive and make sure we shore up things defensively. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/mark-medina/2021/06/11/clippers-have-tough-time-overcoming-0-2-deficit-jazz/7647469002/) Then it’ll probably be a little bit easier to communicate in our home arena. At the same time, we have to be louder and communicate more to eliminate confusion. We have to match up. It doesn’t matter if we’re cross matched. Shrink the court and be ready to funnel out and protect the 3-point line. We have to take the onus on the ball, take some pride and guard one-on-one.”

– via Mark Medina @ USA Today Sports (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/mark-medina/2021/06/11/clippers-have-tough-time-overcoming-0-2-deficit-jazz/7647469002/)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50184349/bojan-the-kawhi-stopper-jazz-forward-has-surprised-with-superb-defense-in-2nd-round-series


Joe Ingles laughs at what might be in Bogdanovic's future, stating: "He's gonna hurt himself because now for 82 regular season, he's gonna have to pick up full court."



yeah right! :lol


Here's something no one expected at the start of the series: Bogdanovic would be a Kawhi Leonard stopper. OK, that might be a bit overstating it — really it was just in Utah's 117-111 win in Game 2 (https://www.ksl.com/article/50184256/the-beauty-of-the-team-helps-jazz-weather-clippers-rally-to-take-2-0-lead-in-series).



did well in game 1 as well


"Obviously we have Royce (O'Neale) and Rudy (Gobert) who are star defenders, but we have a guy like Bojan and JC (Jordan Clarkson) that gives us a boost. And that's really what changed the complexion of the game."



I keep reading that but I haven't noticed Clarkson playing much D. Mitchell has at least put some effort in at that end


One of the Jazz's supposed weaknesses heading into the postseason was a lack of wing defenders. O'Neale has been Utah's stalwart all season — usually tasked to guard the opposing team's star wings. But what would happen when there were two of them to defend the Clippers? It's why many fans were confused when the Jazz didn't choose a defensive wing in last year's NBA Draft and some even hoped a trade would bring one to Utah at the deadline.



when was a 1st round pick ready to help the Jazz? They needed a center. Rather they took the right one I don't know but it was the right position. Hughes made little sense and even less having seen him play


"We were on him a little bit about making sure he's getting on the glass," Snyder said. "And he was very matter of fact that it's the playoffs, and he's ready, and he's locked in — and that's what you've seen.



he sucks on the glass still

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50184256/the-beauty-of-the-team-helps-jazz-weather-clippers-rally-to-take-2-0-lead-in-series


The Los Angeles Clippers were trying to find anything to slow down Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz.Drop big coverage? Of course that didn't work.
Blitz the pick and roll? That didn't either.

Switch everything? Not on this night.



zone? Bingo!


It showed as the once-hot, smooth-running Jazz went completely stagnant, with Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson taking turns hoisting up ill-fated shots. That defensive change may have cost the Jazz a 21-point second-half lead, but it didn't lose them their stronghold on the series.



ISO is sure the way to beating a zone :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/11/22529688/donovan-mitchell-is-playing-at-a-literally-historic-level-right-now-utah-jazz


That’s certainly a complicated question, as longevity matters in that debate and different data could be used to arrive at different conclusions. Malone, for example, finished his career with a playoff average of 24.7 points per game but that was over 193 contests. Deron Williams, perhaps a more comparable player as a guard, averaged 21.3 points in four playoff appearances with Utah but also 9.9 assists.



Deron was the best player on his team. Mitchell isn't even top 2 :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/11/22451214/mike-conley-left-mark-with-memphis-grizzies-revitalized-career-with-utah-jazz


The Jazz dealt Grayson Allen, Jae Crowder, Kyle Korver, the draft rights to Darius Bazley and a protected first-round pick to the Grizzlies in exchange for Conley.



Still got to wonder what the team would look like if the Wizard hadn't refused to trade Exum for Conley months earlier. Might have kept Favors, Crowder, Allen and Korver

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/11/22526548/utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-isnt-only-jazzman-who-can-take-over-a-game-joe-ingles-bojan-bogdanovic


“I don’t feel like I have to go out there and do everything,” Mitchell said. “That’s a credit to the guys we have on this team because they can go out to make plays. Everybody’s elevating their game.”



you sure play like it

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/11/22522657/utah-jazz-donovan-mitchells-37-points-power-jazz-past-la-clippers-nba-playoffs-western-conference


Mitchell scored a game-high 37 points and wasn’t even at his best in Utah’s 117-111 win over LA



What's his best? He rarely shows up for 4 quarters


Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 37 points and it wasn’t even like he had a great game. That’s what is so impressive about Mitchell and what Jazz fans should be looking forward to. This isn’t Mitchell at his best. He had a lackluster first half in Game 1, made a lot of offensive mistakes in Game 2 and has still led this series in scoring. His best is yet to come.



a lot more to the game than scoring


Mitchell had two plays where it looked like he got hurt. By the end of the game, after a collision with Paul George, Mitchell was limping and looked uncomfortable. After the game he said he was fine, even offered to sprint to prove it. He’s tough, but it wasn’t great to watch him limping around.



we've yet to hear how Bojan feels


The Jazz were completely upended when the Clippers started playing zone. The thing that beats a zone is good ball movement and instead the Jazz kept letting the ball stick, didn’t utilize screens and played a ton of iso-ball. This is where the Jazz desperately missed Mike Conley.



they miss him not guarding Jackson

[Xiao Yao You]

https://thejnotes.com/2021/06/11/utah-jazz-offense-lethal-playoffs/


Even without Conley in the lineup, the team has four players (Mitchell, Ingles, Bogdanovic, Clarkson) who can all create their own shot, play in the pick and roll, and consistently draw attention when they have the ball. Most teams have a couple of guys who can do that, but few have four who are all reliable playmaking threats.



Conley and Ingles are the playmakers. Two gunners and a shooter

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50184705/from-the-comments-the-jazz-were-crushed-by-the-zone--is-there-any-answer


As effective as the zone was on some possessions, there were just as many where the Jazz just missed (or didn't take) open shots. The key for Utah, and really any other team, to break any defense is to get into the paint, make the defense collapse and swing the ball.



but Mitchell and Clarkson would have to pass


Joe Ingles gets into the paint, the defense collapses and the Jazz swing the ball to Royce O'Neale, who side dribbles into a wide-open look — that he doesn't take. Sure, Mitchell at this point was a walking inferno, but still, O'Neale has to take that shot.



yep Royce has to take it


Mitchell gets into the paint and draws a huge crowd before forcing up a layup attempt. Look at him after the play, jumping and pointing at Bojan Bogdanovic. Mitchell knew he missed the kick out for the open 3.



O'Neale was open too. Typical gunning by Mitchell


The zone changed some of Utah's reads here and there, but looking at the success they already had against it coupled with a couple days of film, it doesn't appears like the Jazz should have much trouble with the zone going forward.



what happens with the next thing Lue throws at them? Snyder doesn't like to change anything


But even before getting tripped up, Mitchell looked gassed. Dealing with switches, Kawhi Leonard, Patrick Beverly and everything else adds up. For the most part, he handled everything the Clippers threw at him, but with Mike Conley not being available in the first two games of the series, fatigue has started to set in. Conley has not yet been ruled out of Game 3.



pretty simple. Play with your teammates for a change

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461342/jazz-look-to-take-commanding-lead-over-clippers-in-game-three/


After halftime, the guard managed just 10 points on 4-13 shooting including 1-4 from the three-point line. Despite his dip in play, Mitchell insisted he was fine outside of a few bumps and bruises.



that's the thing with the statues and Gobert. They always bring/brought it at both ends. Mitchell shows up at one end at times


Time is running out for coach Tyronn Lue to solve the Jazz dangerous attack as the Clippers look to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole against Utah.



home team hasn't lost yet

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461323/stephen-a-smith-donovan-mitchell-best-player-in-jazz-history/


But does Mitchell have a case to one day become the greatest payer in Jazz history? As of today, he doesn’t have the resume that either Stockton or Malone built over nearly two decades with the team.



anything is possible but right now he's not even one of the top two on the current team


However, neither Stockton nor Malone had reached Mitchell’s great heights so soon in their careers. Mitchell’s two playoff series wins are more than Malone had in his first four seasons in the NBA, and the guard did it while leading the team in scoring each of his first four seasons with the team.



Dantley led the team Malone's rookie year


Additionally, Mitchell’s four career 40-point playoff games is tied with Malone, despite playing 164 fewer postseason games than “The Mailman.” Furthermore, Mitchell has the sixth-highest scoring average in NBA postseason history, trailing only Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Kevin Durant, Jerry West, and LeBron James all time.



different era


So while Mitchell may not have the career accolades, nor two NBA Finals appearances like Stockton and Malone, he may well be on his path to becoming the greatest player in Jazz history as Smith proclaimed.



He's not close to either

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/11/22528221/bojan-bogdanovic-has-been-a-revelation-for-utah-jazz-on-defense-against-la-clippers-in-nba-playoffs


“He is so good offensively that you think of Bojan and that’s what you think,” Ingles said.



because it's all he's shown


“I think that our defense is the key in this series,” Bogdanovic said.



nice that someone realizes it

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/11/22527252/utah-jazz-have-contained-kawhi-leonard-bojan-bogdanovic-defense-nba-playoffs-takeaways-la-clippers


In this clip, Clarkson is guarding Leonard and Bogdanovic leaves Reggie Jackson to double-team Leonard. It forces the ball out of Leonard’s hands.



Reggie is hurting them. Need Mike

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/11/22526548/utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-isnt-only-jazzman-who-can-take-over-a-game-joe-ingles-bojan-bogdanovic


What’s special about this Jazz team is that even with a player like Mitchell, there is so much trust, and each player on the roster is so unselfish that he doesn’t have to carry the pressure of being the guy. And, Mitchell’s willingness to not always be in the spotlight actually makes him better and even more impressive.



Clarkson and Mitchell unselfish? :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461342/jazz-look-to-take-commanding-lead-over-clippers-in-game-three/


Michell did however shows signs that he was human in the second half of game two, either dealing with injuries to right leg or due to fatigue.



nothing to do with adjustments the other team made or the fact that he is streaky?

[Xiao Yao You]

Mirjam Swanson: Quin Snyder on Conley missing Game 3 with the hammy: “It has nothing to do with us feeling any form of accomplishment having won a couple games — Mike’s not ready to go yet.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)





Mirjam Swanson: Quin Snyder on Ty Lue’s insistence that the Clippers up their physicality: “I know they were really, really aggressive — did a great job, frankly, of blocking us out. I thought they were really physical .. with Rudy on the boards, with switches (https://*********.com/social/). “We have to be physical.”
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)






Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, on Ty Lue promising more physicality from the Clippers: “We’ve got to be physical [too]. That’s what the playoffs are about. … The biggest thing is to not look for outside help with that. If the game is being played a certain way, you have to respond.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)






Law Murray: Quin Snyder says that his team’s spacing in particular against the Clippers zone in Game 2 was subpar (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)








Mirjam Swanson: Ty Lue on Donovan vs. Luka: “He’s faster, and it’s hard to try to blitz him, so we just gotta do a better job … one on one.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)







Eric Walden: Ty Lue said he’ll be making some minor adjustments for Game 2, specifically to address increasing physicality and improving 1-on-1 defense. Added he expects the Clippers to shoot better at Staples Center (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Andrew Greif: “Our confidence has not wavered. We’re not shaken,” Ty Lue says of being down 0-2 again (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)




Mark Medina: Clippers coach Ty Lue noted that Kawhi Leonard and PauL George could play more aggressively, but he praised them for often making the right basketball play and that everyone simply needs to make open shots (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter MarkG_Medina (https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina)






Melissa Rohlin: Ty Lue on if he talks to Marcus Morris Jr. when he’s in a shooting slump: “I talk to him, tell him to make a damn shot.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter melissarohlin (https://twitter.com/melissarohlin)







Law Murray: Tyronn Lue says that the team went to the NBA about the illegal screens called against his team in Game 2, and the league said that the fouls against Ivica Zubac should not have been called (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)







Mirjam Swanson: Ty Lue on Serge’s season-ending surgery: “It’s tough, I talked to him, just saying, ‘Prayers, get healthy.'” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)









Eric Walden: Ty Lue said the biggest issue in Games 1 and 2 has been the Clippers’ poor 1-on-1 defense. Said they haven’t done a good enough job containing Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson, or in closing out on the Jazz’s shooters (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Jared Weiss: Donovan Mitchell: “I’m good. That’s all I got for you. I’m good. (https://*********.com/social/) The situation happened. I felt like I was good to come back, but no need to risk it down 18. Time to rest up and get ready for the next game.”

– via Twitter JaredWeissNBA (https://twitter.com/JaredWeissNBA)




With the game slipping away from the Jazz, Mitchell had a conversation with coach Quin Snyder. He did not return to the game, although the Utah medical staff had cleared him to return. “He’s in good shape,” Snyder said. “He could have gone back in the game, but at that point, the lead had stretched. (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31622165/utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-exits-ankle-pain-says-ready-game-4) In fact, while we were talking, I think Kawhi hit a 3. That was my decision not to put him back in at that point. The game had gotten away from us at that point, but he’s fine.”
– via Tim MacMahon @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31622165/utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-exits-ankle-pain-says-ready-game-4)






When asked what his relationship is with Ingles, George said, “I don’t care about him. Next question.” For the Clippers, there is no question how good they can be when George and Leonard shift their games to another level like they did on Saturday. (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31622610/paul-george-sets-tone-bounce-back-effort-la-clippers-rout-utah-jazz-needed-game-3-win) Not only did they combine to make 26 of 48 shots but they also took the challenge of slowing down Donovan Mitchell. While Mitchell finished with 30 points before tweaking his sore right ankle, he was held scoreless for the first 16 minutes and 26 seconds of the game. After contesting 71% of his field goal attempts in the first two Jazz wins, the Clippers contested all but one of Mitchell’s 24 shots in Game 3, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
– via Ohm Youngmisuk @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31622610/paul-george-sets-tone-bounce-back-effort-la-clippers-rout-utah-jazz-needed-game-3-win)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461405/clippers-beat-jazz-in-must-win-game-three/


The Clippers showed the same resolve against the Jazz in game three, avoiding an 0-3 hole, and shifting the pressure back onto Utah to steal a game in LA, or otherwise return home with the series evened up at two games apiece.



pressure is on LA. Jazz have home court. Best home team in league


Though Mitchell said he could have returned had the game been closer, the Jazz face a stark reality that they won’t have a healthy lead ball-handler for the rest of the playoffs. Mitchell has labored with his injury at least one point in every game since returning against the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round.



good thing he forced his way back on to the court :facepalm


The Jazz have built their identity around the three-point shot this season, but it was from inside the arc where the Jazz lost game three to the Clippers.



defense lost it :facepalm


Bogdanovic had his worst game of the series, scoring just nine points on 2-10 shooting despite getting several open looks inside the three-point line.

Jordan Clarkson also had his worst outing of the series, connecting on just 1-7 field-goal from two-point range.



and coty stuck with them

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/12/22528751/donovan-mitchell-says-that-hes-fine-but-its-clear-that-he-playing-through-some-pain-injury-utah-jazz


Donovan Mitchell says that he’s fine, but it’s clear that he’s playing through some pain


Maybe he'll let the medical staff do their job next time instead of forcing his way onto the floor when he's not ready.


“It’s part of the game,” Rudy Gobert said. “There is going to be some pain, but as long as it doesn’t get worse, and he’s still able to move and to play, hopefully it will be okay. I think he’s doing everything he can to try to be out there even though sometimes it might be painful.”



does seem to be getting worse though no?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/12/22528750/analysis-utah-jazz-drop-game-3-la-clippers-donovan-mitchell-paul-george-kawhi-leonard-nba-playoffs


The Jazz had a horrible night when it comes to ball movement and execution. There was a ton of iso ball, the Jazz assisted on just 15 of their 36 made shots (84 field goal attempts) and had 16 turnovers.



Mitchell and Clarkson. What everyone loves! :cheers:


Georges Niang had one good lob pass to Rudy Gobert, but that barely made up for his one really bad lob, and it certainly didn’t make up for his missed shots and poor decision making. It was a rough night for Niang.



and COTY pulled him. Why won't he pull anyone else when they suck?


Miye Oni isn’t ready for this.



and yet he's playing instead of Ersan or trying something else

Didn't really mention the horrible D which was the game

[Xiao Yao You]

Posted by IAMCAKEMAN (https://www.sbnation.com/users/IAMCAKEMAN) on Jun 13, 2021 | 11:14 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541312594)

[/QUOTE]

You don't know that. They are better defensively and the ball movement is better without Mitchell


I doubt it but think Quin should consider playing Ersan who has more experience.
Posted by CJ Livinghousen (https://www.sbnation.com/users/CJ%20Livinghousen) on Jun 13, 2021 | 12:39 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541306020)


ersan should play regardless but won't

(https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541306020)

(https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541306020)The five minutes before halftime he took the shot the first time he had the ball no matter where he and the other options were. Running up and down the court constantly with playoff intensity is tough, doing it for nothing several times in a row even more.
He played to keep his playoff average, not to win.
The minutes management was logical. (https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541306020) Posted by Bigfee (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Bigfee) on Jun 13, 2021 | 3:25 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541306552)



(https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541306020)


best player in Jazz history!


You straight up say that he was stat hunting implying that he cares more about his stats than wining. That is one of the worst takes I’ve ever heard. He was cooking during that quarter. The game got away because the Jazz could not make a stop.

You think he was playing hero ball in the 2nd half of the 1st game when he did the same thing and led them to victory. Do you think Kawhi was playing hero ball at one point when he scored something like 14 straight for the Clips and no one else took a shot?

Implying that the best offensive player is selfish is just playing stupid when he has shown nothing in his career to show that. Saying that he should have gotten his teammates more involved is true, saying he is stat hunting is wrong.

I actually thought his reads were good in the 2nd quarter. Thought they were bad on his drives in the 4th.

Posted by Patdatass (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Patdatass) on Jun 13, 2021 | 8:37 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541309503)



Kawai plays D. If Mitchell was all about winning he would too


And offensively we continue to play 4 on 5. He had 2 flipping baskets off of assists and they were both from passes by the much criticized Niang. Donny, JC, Joe, Bogie can’t throw him a lob? How much is him not fighting strong for position, or guys not looking, or our spacing, or them just clogging passing lanes I don’t know. But we gotta do better.

Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Jun 13, 2021 | 7:13 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541308118)



JC and Mitchell don't pass except when the end of the quarter clock is running out. Bojan is better off not passing. Easier to just take a 3!


The Jazz have to prove that they are not a flawed team in the playoffs, including the coaches (so much tougher to do without Conley). Leonard had 12 rebounds, Rudy only had 10. That can’t happen again.

I haven’t lost all hope yet, but this series is probably going back to SLC tied 2/2.
Posted by PlayfasterJazz (https://www.sbnation.com/users/PlayfasterJazz) on Jun 13, 2021 | 7:56 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541308747)



they are flawed and it starts with COTY

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george



Donovan Mitchell, when asked about Mike Conley's in game interactions: "He's helping me with making reads. We gotta get Bojan more involved. … Tonight, I was quick to force up some shots, and I’m not proud of it. And [Mike] pointed that out to me."
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) June 13, 2021 (https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1403921395642425351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)



always talks a big game afterwards but it never translates to the next game


Mitchell is obviously playing through pain. Will playing through the injury be easier with Conley? The Jazz can hope and hopefully that leads to Mitchell playing off ball more. At least, that’s what Jazz fans are hoping for, but time will tell if Conley plays in Game 4. Him traveling with the team seems like a good sign of him playing, but the Jazz are being very careful with Conley to make sure they don’t aggravate the injury. Perhaps being up 2-1 now will provide more pressure to get him on the floor.



Mitchell off ball would certainly be ideal oh and Clarkson at the end of the bench!


Finally, we need to talk about Rudy Gobert’s minutes. Obviously the Jazz cleared their bench when the game got out of hand, but Rudy Gobert ended with 29 minutes. It’s just unacceptable. This was probably Rudy Gobert’s worst game of the playoffs and it’s still better having him out there than Derrick Favors who has now had 2 incredibly rough games in a row. Rudy Gobert should be playing no less then 36 minutes per game and should really be around 40. It nearly cost the Jazz last game if it weren’t for some incredible shots by Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles when the Jazz were down two with minutes left. What is Quin Snyder waiting for? This is it, there is nothing else to wait for, if you don’t play your best guys now, you may not get a chance in the future. And we’ve seen what happens with this stubbornness in the past to play outside of rote-tations. The Jazz gave up a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets. Gobert has to do his part to be his most effective when he’s on the floor, and he wasn’t good enough tonight, but Quin Snyder also needs to keep him out there longer. Gobert is a future hall of famer, the DPOY, and affects everything. It doesn’t matter how effective your system is, how creative your ATO plays are, if you don’t have your best players on the floor, it makes it all meaningless.



it was all Tony Bradley's fault!


Oni and Niang Have Been Gargbage This Series

If Conley comes back healthy, hopefully Oni wont get anymore minutes and Niang’s will be reduced, they have been hot garbage this series.


Posted by ArcticSlicer (https://www.sbnation.com/users/ArcticSlicer) on Jun 12, 2021 | 11:46 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541305749)



too bad coach won't try anything else


But I believe that Conley’s absence from the lineup is largely due to an overabundance of caution.

We saw this in play with Donovan in the first round. The Jazz deemed themselves to be the superior team without him, so why risk playing him and risk reinjuring their star player.

I think the same attitude applies here. I think the Jazz will sit Conley until they believe the risk of losing the series outweighs the risk of making the injury worse and him not being available in a future series.
The fact is, playoff basketball is more intense featuring better competition. Especially in the western conference where any team is capable of beating another if they do not demonstrate proper respect for their opponent.

I believe Conley is still injured… but I also believe he could play. The question is not so much about his health, but more about how much the Jazz fear their opponent and the potential of not advancing to the next round.

Posted by I'mJazzed (https://www.sbnation.com/users/I'mJazzed) on Jun 13, 2021 | 9:11 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/12/22531488/utah-jazz-lose-game-3-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-nba-playoffs-donovan-mitchell-paul-george#541310185)



we're seeing it right now. What if Mitchell had waited until the medical team cleared him instead of forcing himself back on to the court? Would he be having problems every game with his ankle? They didn't need him to beat Memphis. Maybe it would have taken more game but they were going down

[QUOTE]Maybe they were wrong.

We sweep the Grizz (obviously not a guarantee), We get an additional two days off between series, and most importantly, Conley doesn’t get hurt in Game 5.

[Xiao Yao You]

Zach Padmore: Per his Instagram story, Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland had a pre-draft workout with the Utah Jazz. (http://twitter.com/ZP12Hoops/status/1403448456438497286) One of the best three-point shooters in the 2021 NBA Draft.

– via Twitter (http://twitter.com/ZP12Hoops/status/1403448456438497286)




who's doing the workouts now?

[Xiao Yao You]

pg which is what they should be looking at unless they think Forrest will develop a jumper. 2nd rounder it sounds like though

[Xiao Yao You]

Mirjam Swanson: Nicolas Batum says he loves playing with Rudy Gobert when they’re teammates for Team France: “I know I have this big guy protecting, just in case.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)




Mirjam Swanson: Ty Lue: “We can’t go down 10-0, 14-3, we can’t continue to dig ourselves a hole…. (https://*********.com/social/) we gotta do a better job of that.”
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)






Andrew Greif: Ty Lue says of friend and assistant Chauncey Billups, a candidate for several head coaching openings, “he’s ready” to take over a team (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)







Mirjam Swanson: Ty Lue on his assistant coach/good buddy Chauncey Billups: “I wanted to coach with him when I was in Cleveland but he didn’t want to coach. I tease him all the time, he missed out on $15-18 million dollars” (https://*********.com/social/) because he would’ve been a head coach for a few seasons already.

– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)

[Xiao Yao You]

Law Murray: Nicolas Batum on limiting Rudy Gobert’s impact: “He’s got three trophies in four years! No one has figured it out yet!” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)




Eric Walden: Clippers’ Nic Batum said his job in this series to put Rudy Gobert into unfamiliar situations and take him away from the hoop. Said his national-team familiarity with Rudy and his friendship don’t make it any easier, (https://*********.com/social/) because Rudy “is the best in the league” defensively.

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)







Mirjam Swanson: Nicolas Batum on his comfort playing at the 5: “It’s new for me… so I’m learning, a learning process for me during the playoff. (https://*********.com/social/) I just do my best to make life easier for my two superstars. And Reggie and Luke.”
– via Twitter MirjamSwanson (https://twitter.com/MirjamSwanson)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50185511/from-the-comments-stepping-away-from-the-ledge-after-the-jazzs-game-3-loss


The Clippers told Utah the game plan ahead of Game 3. Before the game, Lue said that whenever Derrick Favors is on the court, they are going to right at him. The result? The Jazz finished with a defensive rating of 169 in the 15 minutes Favors players. That's pretty awful. Actually, it's more than awful.



but I thought it was Bradley's fault?


Favors has scored just 4 points in the entire series. What's worse? He's not even the least productive bench player for the Jazz. Georges Niang has only 3 points this series and hasn't made a shot since Game 1. Miye Oni, meanwhile, hasn't scored in over 20 minutes of game action.



and COTY does nothing different


If that's all Utah's getting, then Snyder may just consider changing up some rotations — something he has been hesitant to do this season. To their benefit, the Jazz have had one of the most consistent rotations in the NBA. But as seen by the Clippers, who seemed to have found something by adding Patrick Beverly and Terrence Mann to the rotation as the series has gone on, sometimes change can provide a spark.



especially when you have better players not playing


Gobert is averaging 33 minutes in the series — a number that could go up. He struggled in Game 3, too, but Gobert's been Utah's best player for much of the season. The Jazz could also look at Ersan Ilyasova, who has had plenty of playoff experience. He's not going to solve any defensive issues, but he might provide more of an offensive punch than what the Jazz are getting.



I like his D, He's physical and smart


Trent Forrest? Juwan Morgan? Matt Thomas? Playing an already banged-up team more minutes? The best options might just be to hope Niang and Favors are better.



Morgan and Brantley

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461445/clippers-look-to-even-series-in-game-four-against-jazz/


Game four’s key matchup will pair the Jazz’s Joe Ingles against the Clippers Jackson. Ingles has been a major spark for the Jazz in games two and three, averaging 19 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting a staggering 62 percent from the floor and 60 percent from the three-point line.



I imagine Mitchell and Clarkson spend most of the time on Jackson where Conley is obviously missed big time

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/13/22530145/what-the-utah-jazz-need-to-improve-on-in-game-4-against-the-la-clippers-nba-playoffs


And there were a few instances when Mitchell drove into three defenders and took an ill-advised shot in the lane.



he's good at that!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/13/22530147/how-the-la-clippers-are-feeling-after-game-3-victory-over-the-utah-jazz-nba-playoffs


“We talk about it and we have to do something,” Nic Batum said Sunday. “We have to adjust right away. We can’t wait being down eight, 10, 12, depends, whatever, before we get a reaction. To be up 10, that would be nice...so we have to work on that and not put ourselves in a bad position by doing that.”



especially against a team that's usually on the other end of that at least to start the game

[Xiao Yao You]

https://hoopshabit.com/2021/06/12/utah-jazz-3-crucial-goals-playoff-run/2/


Utah Jazz playoff goals No. 1: Force more turnovers

not what they do


Utah Jazz playoff goals No. 2: Keep feeding Mitchell and Clarkson

recipe for disaster


Utah Jazz playoff goals No. 3: Keep their best players on the floor

that's not happening obviously and won't

[Xiao Yao You]

“I think we have to take some of the things that we did do well and we have to find a way to replicate them,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. “I think it’s hard to give up 38 free throws and overcome some of the things that we did tonight. (https://theathletic.com/2652116/2021/06/15/without-mike-conley-jazz-struggle-against-clippers-series-now-tied/?source=rss) In order to do that, we have to be perfect on the other end, and we weren’t that, either. I think we were playing hard, but we weren’t playing smart. And we weren’t connected, and that showed in the 13-point first quarter. We didn’t put ourselves in situations to be successful.”
– via Tony Jones @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/2652116/2021/06/15/without-mike-conley-jazz-struggle-against-clippers-series-now-tied/?source=rss)







The Clippers would outscore the Jazz 18-1 on second-chance points and completely shut them out on the fast break, outscoring the Jazz there 12-0. It’s the first time all season that the Jazz failed to score a single point on the fast break. That more than offset yet another night where the Jazz made more 3s than the Clippers (17-of-42 for Jazz, 15-of-37 for Clippers). “Just paying attention to detail, I thought was great,” Lue said. “They made some desperation 3s to get them back in the game a little bit. (https://theathletic.com/2652116/2021/06/15/without-mike-conley-jazz-struggle-against-clippers-series-now-tied/?source=rss) Overall, I loved where we were at, I loved our physicality and I loved the way we battled.”
– via Tony Jones @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/2652116/2021/06/15/without-mike-conley-jazz-struggle-against-clippers-series-now-tied/?source=rss)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50186279/jazz-clippers-live-blog-3-takeaways-from-utahs-series-equalizing-loss-to-la


1. Don't blame Donovan

After a horrific start, Mitchell took a 29-point deficit and slowly whittled it down to 14 midway through the third quarter. The Louisville product tapped his recovering ankle several times during the spurt, but stayed in the game and shot close to 40% through three quarters.



close to 40% wow! :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461519/disconnected-jazz-fall-to-surging-clippers-in-game-four/


Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 37 points but shot just 9-26 from the floor and 6-15 from the three-point line as the Jazz offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm throughout the game.



first time I've read 9-26 is not great! :facepalm


Over the last two games, these are plus-minus totals for each Jazz player:

Bogdanovic: -25

O’Neale: -28

Gobert: -17
Ingles: -8
Mitchell: -25
Clarkson: -40
Favors: -20
Niang: -20

Oni: -5



and COTY changes nothing!


Snyder meanwhile doesn’t have that luxury for the Jazz. With Conley out of the lineup, the Jazz coach is left picking between second-year, second-round draft pick Miye Oni as his ninth-man, or Trest Forrest, a rookie who joined the Jazz as an undrafted free agent on a two-way contract to serve as the fourth guard in the rotation.



Ersan, Morgan, Brantley... He has the luxury of playing better guys for sure. I thought they were the deepest team in the league?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/15/22530328/the-jazzs-inability-to-keep-the-clippers-off-the-offensive-glass-was-a-huge-problem-in-game-4


“Defensive rebounding is usually a collective effort and combination of initial awareness and urgency,” Snyder said. “I didn’t think we were as locked in on that.”



try playing someone at the 4 for a change?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/15/22530172/analysis-la-clippers-evened-series-with-utah-jazz-by-mounting-an-early-lead


The Jazz tried a couple of different defensive looks, a couple of zone formations that seemed to have some success, and also some different offensive strategies, with Joe Ingles and Bojan Bogdanovic running up top and Mitchell working more off the ball. Changing things up like this seemed to give them a little bit of an edge, if only for a moment.



too little too late COTY


The Jazz were able to cut 10 points off the Clippers’ 24-point halftime lead in large part because of the activity of Gobert, but then head coach Quin Snyder went with his usual sub pattern of taking Gobert out at the 6:36 mark in the third. The Clippers immediately pushed the lead back to 20 points. There was some concern with Gobert’s foul situation (he had four at the time) but it’s also fair to wonder whether Snyder would be willing to ride out Gobert for 40 minutes, which he hasn’t seemed to be willing to do.



why change what isn't working?


Jordan Clarkson’s shot selection in the first half in particular was atrocious. Adding insult to injury, his reads were about five seconds too late. I’m always hesitant to criticize Clarkson when he is missing shots, especially if they are wide open or rhythm looks because that’s who the Jazz want him to be. But the Jazz don’t want him to be the guy that takes off-balance, contested mid-range shots, or takes shots that are too early when there is another guy more open and in better position.



same shots he always takes

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50187181/rudy-gobert-named-to-all-nba-third-team-as-donovan-mitchell-left-off


Mitchell was worthy of a spot on a team. He averaged 26.8 points per game on 43.8% from the field and a career-high 38.6% from 3. He averaged career highs in assists at 5.2 and rebounds at 4.4. And did it all with one of the highest usages in the league.



no he wasn't. That's why he was 9th

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50186933/from-the-comments-mike-conleys-past-shows-that-if-he-can-play-he-will


There's a lot of blame to go around for how Game 4 went. Bojan Bogdanovic no-showed the first half; Joe Ingles wasn't the secondary playmaker the Jazz desperately needed; Royce O'Neale backpedaled out of plays — screened or not; Rudy Gobert lost too many rebounding battles to smaller players; and even Donovan Mitchell spent too many possessions dribbling and not looking for an out.



and even! :facepalm


When Conley went down, the Jazz's only answer was putting more of a load on Mitchell (https://www.ksl.com/article/50186471/its-tough-but-it-is-what-it-is-donovan-mitchell-has-been-forced-to-carry-unusual-burden-in-2nd-round)? That's not great. The Clippers' five-out attack is causing major headaches, and Utah doesn't have any other looks it can throw out there? Ditto.



they do but won't


Two-way guard Trent Forrest? Two-way forward Jarrell Brantley? Little-used Juwan Morgan? Matt Thomas? Ersan İlyasova? Utah's end of the roster is full of players who would be far more comfortable in the NBA G League than trying to line up against the Clippers.



bullshit

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/15/22530328/the-jazzs-inability-to-keep-the-clippers-off-the-offensive-glass-was-a-huge-problem-in-game-4


The Clippers scored 18 points on the second-chance opportunities created by rebounds. The Jazz, meanwhile, scored just a one second-chance point, never hitting a field goal generated by an offensive board.



Imagine playing Ersan, Morgan and/or Brantley :facepalm


In the below clip you’ll see that the third quarter clock is winding down and the Jazz are clearly concerned with paying attention to Leonard, who has the ball. While Rudy Gobert does try to keep his position on Ivica Zubac, there’s more concern for what Leonard will do at the third-quarter buzzer than what Zubac will do if there is enough time.



that's what happens when you expect one guy to stop the whole team by himself while the best player in franchise history rests up to shoot again

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/staff-scrimmage-jazz-clips-at-2-2-plus-potential-series-turning-points/


Too often on Monday, the entire concept of offense for the Jazz stopped besides whoever had the ball, and this lone active member was attempting to dribble past or away from one, two, or even three Clipper defenders. The Jazz typically welcome a defense snding two or more men to the ball, as it often initiates the proverbial blender. This time, the Clippers were fiendish about sitting on passing lanes to take away that easy pass off the ball. Against that defense, the Jazz should have shown to the ball or set screens to help make those passes and kickstart the blender. Gobert loves setting the biggest screens in the league, but rarely helped to clear off one (or both!) of the two defenders engaged in a double-team. To the extent it is the ballhandler’s responsibility to call for Gobert’s assistance in this capacity, they failed to do so. And when the Clippers didn’t send a double-team to the ball, an isolation opportunity apparated in lieu of any functional offensive movement. In the first quarter interview, Snyder lamented the lack of “pick and roll[s] with our five man.” Where were the Ingles/Mitchell-Gobert pick-and-rolls that have been so deadly for literally the entire goddamn season? If the Clippers switched that action, that’s still a useful product that could have been built upon, but wasn’t.



Yep. Been a lot less Gobert screens all year. More Clarkson/Mitchell iso


Those are the final scores of last year’s Round 1 Series between the Jazz and Nuggets. If you’d asked me after games 2 and 3 if the Jazz had “solved” the Nuggets, I probably would have said they obviously had. Especially after that 124-87 beat down in Game 3. But that’s not how series between closely matched teams work. The scores in Round 1 between the Clippers and Mavericks are similar, it looked like the Clippers had everything figured out after a blow-out win in Game 4 before the Mavericks came back to win Game 5. There are ebbs and flows to playoff series and things can change drastically from one game to another. Plus, home court advantage is a thing. So I guess I’m fully on “new series, bring it on!” especially if Conley returns for Game 5 or 6.



well Malone went big and Snyder did nothing just like Lue made changes until something worked and again COTY has done nothing


Jake: I liked what I saw out of Gobert. It’s incredible to me that the Clippers are doing everything they can to take him out of the picture both on offense and defense, yet he’s finding ways to affect the game. Last night, for example, Gobert finished +0 in a game the Jazz lost by 14 points. The fact of the matter is that Snyder needs to play Gobert more minutes or Derrick Favors needs to return to his Games 1-2 prowess. If neither of those things change, I don’t see how Utah moves to the next round.



He needs to try some other bench guys as well


Zarin: Ingles had a team-high +4 and shot 7-for-9 from the field. If Conley remains out, Snyder may need to experiment with rotations to keep one of Ingles or Mitchell on the floor at all times. That may even require starting Jordan Clarkson, a move Snyder has only made three times.



yeah more JC is the answer :roll:


Dan: It took a 29-point deficit for them to get desperate enough to try it, but the Jazz finally decided to let Rudy be Rudy (https://twitter.com/danclayt0n/status/1404879326953152512). They decided midway through G4 that unleashing Gobert’s interior defensive impact is worth it even if that means just leaving a Clipper (usually Nic Batum) wide open. Gobert was +15 in 21 minutes of second-half action, and this gives Utah a way to counter the Clipper’s attempts to tug him outside with 5-shooter lineups. (Also, great that Ingles finally got going after an otherwise very pedestrian series.)



and they got him involved offensively which opens up everything else instead of just settling for a long jumper


Jake: Mike won’t be super helpful on defense, though I’m sure he’ll surprise a few people that, despite his size, he can still affect shots and get into people. The biggest impact he’ll have is simply controlling the game in a calm, decisive manner. The way he can do that is breaking the paint and then kickstarting the blender. Mitchell and Clarkson haven’t consistently been able to pass out of their drives. This would not only help strengthen Utah’s rotations (pushing Ingles back to the bench), but it allows Mitchell to play off-ball, tapping into one of his best assets: his catch-and-shoot 3-pointer.



D is where he'll help most since Reggie has killed them and Mitchell won't pass him the ball at the other end


Jake: Most will probably think offensively for this question, but I think we’re going to need either Ingles and/or Bogdanovic to slow Kawhi or PG down. If those two Clippers stars both have good games, the Clippers are nearly impossible to beat. They’ve had great Games 3-4. Also, assuming Snyder stays with mid-30s minute totals for Gobert, Favors can really have an impact on this series. While Clippers aren’t really driving into the paint when Gobert is on the court, they are when Favors is. If he can have a positive impact on the game or even a neutral one, that can win a game for you.



but it was Bradley's fault!


And so this is less of a Gobert thing than an “everybody else” thing, but I will say that if the ball starts going his way, the Clippers have absolutely no answer for Gobert at the rim. He needs to be ready and engaged, and not commit turnovers or hesitate.



but who will pass him the ball :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/16/22536279/utah-jazz-minutes-problem-nba-playoffs-2021-rudy-gobert


Interestingly enough, Gobert did play more minutes last season in the playoffs. Against the Denver Nuggets (https://www.denverstiffs.com), with Tony Bradley as his backup, Gobert averaged 38.6 minutes played. He even logged games of 42, 42 and 41 minutes. So he is definitely capable of playing a heavier load. And as we all know, in Game 7 against the Nuggets the Jazz lost by 2 points. Gobert was a +6 in that game. Are you seeing a pattern here? Perhaps if he had played into the 40-minute range the Jazz have a different story last season. We’ll never know.



Bubble was different and they don't lose anything with Favors! :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2021/6/15/22536016/rudy-gobert-named-to-all-nba-3rd-team-donovan-mitchell-snubbed


The best team in the league somehow got their with just a 3rd-Team All NBA guy



Conley was hurt though I doubt that would have mattered

[Xiao Yao You]

Law Murray: Snyder says that Jazz “found something” in second half of Game 4; (https://*********.com/social/) namely, being more decisive and committed to principles.

– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)





Eric Walden: Quin Snyder, discussing the breakdown of minutes at the 5: “Rudy needs to keep himself out of foul trouble, (https://*********.com/social/) we need to help him stay out of foul trouble, because we need him.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




you need to get a clue

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461639/with-kawhi-leonard-out-how-much-should-jazz-adjust-gameplan/


Now with Leonard out of the lineup, the Jazz must ask themselves, do they proceed with the adjustments they made to counter a lineup featuring a top-five player in the world, or go back to their own gameplan, understanding they have the upper hand in talent with Leonard off the floor?



same. Move the ball and defend. Usually brings good things

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/16/22530361/game-5-preview-three-things-that-could-impact-game-between-utah-jazz-la-clippers-kawhi-favors


What Quin Snyder decides to do with the non-Gobert minutes could be the deciding move in this series. He could extend Gobert’s playing time and choose to go with a small-ball lineup to match what the Clippers do when Gobert is not on the floor, he could choose to continue with his current rotation or he could do a combination of all these options.



he could do lots of things but won't

[Xiao Yao You]

https://thejnotes.com/2021/06/16/utah-jazz-mike-conley-final-game-jazzman/

be stupid not to bring him back. 2nd best player. The main reason for their jump this year

[Xiao Yao You]

https://fansided.com/2021/06/15/nba-robbed-jayson-tatum-donovan-mitchell-33-million/


Mitchell and Tatum each had career-best years in their fourth NBA seasons, averaging 26.4 points apiece. Tatum accomplished historic scoring feats (https://fansided.com/2021/05/29/celtics-jayson-tatum-50-point-performance-historic-multiple-ways/) down the stretch and Mitchell lead the Jazz to the best record in the NBA. A nice bonus for their efforts would have been fitting, but instead, NBA media voting just robbed two of their brightest young stars of $33 million.



13-6 without him but he led! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Donovan Mitchell on his ankle: For the first time in my life, I’ve had to play on the floor. I…I can’t really move (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)





Sarah Todd: Donovan Mitchell is clearly frustrated and emotional (rightly so) (https://*********.com/social/) about the situation that he’s in and that it’s all happening during the playoffs. Feel for the guy.
– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)






Tim MacMahon: Donovan Mitchell on pain in his ankle and lack of explosiveness: “It’s something I’m going to have to deal with [the rest of the playoffs]. It f—ing sucks. (https://*********.com/social/) … You’ve got to find a way to make it happen. It’s tough, but I’ve got to find a way. Otherwise, I’m going to be home.”
– via Twitter espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)



maybe you'll listen to the doctors next time instead of forcing your way on the floor

[Xiao Yao You]

Tim MacMahon: Rudy Gobert: “We know that we have to be a dominant defensive team in order to win and it starts with me. There’s a lot of times when guys went at me and I didn’t stop them. So it starts with me, and then, as a team. … The urgency wasn’t there.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)




“This is something we’ve conditioned ourselves to do,” McMillan said. “In the fourth quarter, look at where we are, make our adjustments and try to finish strong. These guys just don’t give up. They continue to fight.” (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/jeff-zillgitt/2021/06/16/inside-hawks-26-point-game-5-comeback-sixers/7725341002/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=usatodaycomnba-topstories)
– via Jeff Zillgitt @ USA Today Sports (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/jeff-zillgitt/2021/06/16/inside-hawks-26-point-game-5-comeback-sixers/7725341002/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=usatodaycomnba-topstories)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50188622/from-the-comments-its-time-to-air-some-grievances-after-the-game-5-no-show-for-the-jazz


"Donovan is giving it his all, playing on one leg. I cannot believe guys like Ingles and ONeal don't bust their buns on every play." — 1980relived

:roll: O'Neale lays it all out there at both ends while Mitchell takes defense off. Seriously?


It's not the best pass by Gobert, but both Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles are initially in a better position to get the ball. Yet, Terrence Mann doesn't let them both get to it — he beats them easily and then goes and gets an uncontested layup. Mitchell has somewhat of an excuse due to playing on an obviously injured ankle (https://www.ksl.com/article/50188138/we-didnt-do-all-this-to-lose-mitchell-is-grounded-but-determined-to-play-through-it). But what about Ingles? The play occurred in the first three minutes into what may have been the biggest game of his NBA life.



that one was bad


Mitchell is ailing, no doubt, but that shouldn't be the reason for him to miss obvious reads. In the opening minute, Mitchell drove to the paint and drew a crowd of three Clippers. He stepped between two of them and had O'Neale a few feet away for a wide-open 3. He chose instead to fire a pass through traffic to the opposite corner, which, not surprisingly, ended in a turnover.



that's what he does


Trying to draw a touch foul 30-feet out against a player who the officials have allowed to be as physical as he's wanted all series (much to the chagrin of Jazz fans) is not the smartest choice.



but he's the greatest player in Jazz history when he's hitting that shot!


The Jazz were down 9 in the fourth quarter of what felt like a must-win playoff game, and Clarkson fired up an off-balanced fade-away 20-footer with 15 seconds on the shot clock? Utah has to be better than that.



only way they'll be better is by not playing Clarkson. Now he's shooting long 2's again like he didn't suck enough!


You don't have to go back too far to find another contender. Utah had complete control of the series, and complete control in Game 5, before everything fell apart. The Jazz lost Games 5 and 6 by double digits and then scored just 78 points in Game 7 as Mike Conley's potential game-winning 3-pointer rimmed out.



Mitchell with the 8 second call :facepalm


Utah had the best home record in the league but were eliminated on its home court in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals in what was Utah's best team with Deron Williams.



bad matchup

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50188092/jazz-pushed-to-brink-of-elimination-as-clippers-win-3rd-straight-to-take-3-2-series-lead


"Maybe the fatigue, maybe the fact that Kawhi (Leonard) didn't play, it could be many things," Gobert said. "I just felt like — we know that we have to be a dominant defensive team in order to win."



You and I know it. Everyone else thinks it's all about 3's

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50188138/we-didnt-do-all-this-to-lose-mitchell-is-grounded-but-determined-to-play-through-it


"I mean it (expletive) sucks. I ain't got nothing else to say," Mitchell said. "It's tough when you're trying different things that you normally do and you see spots you can get to but you can't, so you gotta find a way to make it happen. It's tough but I gotta find a way — otherwise I'm gonna be home."



what really sucks is that the team doctors knew this but you and your team knew better and forced your way back into the lineup


"This is a learning process and it sucks to learn this through the playoffs, but it is what it is and no excuses," Mitchell said. "So just being able to kind of bait the blitz, know when to attack and kind of just slow down a little bit. I think that's what I've been doing throughout the entire playoffs because obviously I can't really move."



Maybe you are the greatest player in Jazz history. Karl Malone used to make excuses and than say no excuses too :lol


With him playing on one leg, the Jazz likely won't be able to move on in the playoffs, either. Mitchell was 0 for 4 in the final two minutes Wednesday and settled for deep 3-point attempts that rarely were close.



They'll have two legs next game with Conley!


Mitchell's interest, though, as seen with the injury debacle before the first game of the playoffs, is to play — pain or no pain.



yeah and that got them here. They didn't need him to beat Memphis. Should have rested and shut up about it until the doctors said it was time

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461678/george-lifts-shorthanded-clippers-as-injuries-catch-up-to-jazz/


Though Bogdanovic scored 32 points and tied a franchise record with nine made threes, ultimately it wasn’t enough without Mitchell playing at a superstar level to regain control of the series.



play some D and stop saying it's all about Mitchell


Also gone is Mitchell’s superstardom. Through no fault of his own, Mitchell’s ankle has abandoned him, and without the ability to chip in 45 and 37 point performances, the Jazz managed to score only 111 points in the loss.



how is no fault of his own? The Jazz doctors didn't him to play game 2 against Memphis but they had to keep him and his team happy. **** him!


“With the series as close as it is and as tight as it is, I think that [a return] this series is possible, depending on the situation, obviously,” Conley said early Wednesday, “I’ve played through a lot of things in my career and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.”



only reason for him not to play is if they think they will be worse with him on the court. It's do or die

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/17/22530329/game-5-analysis-jazzs-defense-doesnt-show-up-as-clippers-take-a-3-2-lead-in-the-series-nba-playoffs


Miye Oni isn’t a top option for the postseason, but in spot minutes he is what the Jazz have. I’ll say this about his effort on the boards; when Oni is flying in and tapping trying to get an offensive rebound, it doesn’t always end the right way, but just him getting a hand on the ball slows down the other team and keeps them from running open in transition.



He's what COTY chooses not what they have


After having such an aggressive start to the game, O’Neale looked like a different player later in the game. He was hesitant and wasn’t getting up as intentionally on rebounds and was worked over too many times while he was on defense. The Jazz need him to be good on that side so badly. What’s worse is that he had a hard fall and seemed like he wasn’t able to move as well after that. Hopefully he’s not added to the list of Jazz players that is hobbled.



he's always banged up


Donovan Mitchell is doing his absolute best to play through pain and while it’s admirable and impressive, it’s just not fun to watch a guy with his talent not be able to do what he normally does.



him and his guys said he was ready! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/16/22537764/live-coverage-utah-jazz-host-la-clippers-pivotal-game-5-donovan-mitchell-kawhi-leonard-mike-conley



it simply wasn’t enough for a team that relies so heavily on its outside shooting.

that's the problem. Have to get to the rim and make the other team pick their poison


In both of Utah’s losses to LA in Southern California, the Clippers were able to make the Jazz an isolation team. They did it again to the Jazz Wednesday night, as Utah’s ‘blender’ couldn’t really get going. Utah finished with only 15 assists as a team, while the Clippers, who prefer isolation offense, ended the game with 17. Mitchell, the Jazz’s main answer in isolation situations, struggled much of the night, his ankle injury clearly hampering him.



Mitchell and Clarkson make them an iso team

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/6/16/22538051/utah-jazz-lose-a-heartbreaker-to-the-los-angeles-clippers-game-5


One thing is for sure, you can still count on Quin Snyder running out Derrick Favors, Georges Niang and Mye Oni as a second unit. Favors was a -7, Niang a -4 and Oni a -8. For Favors, who was given the full MLE this offseason, to be -7 in 6 minutes of play is just utterly demoralizing. There is no end in sight for that contract either, you just have to figure things out. The Jazz still have a chance in this series, but things are looking bleak, perhaps there’s some sort of miracle in store for the Jazz because that’s what it appears it’s going to take for a different outcome in LA.



it was all Bradley's fault! Ersan showed he was one of their best players and Oni certainly hasn't looked like he is head and shoulders over Morgan and Brantley and not even Forrest if you want another non shooter out there.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley


May as well get used to the team as is Front office has built us into a mess.
Next season team cap stays the same even losing Conleys bloated salary. We stay at 8th place in NBA without any acquisitions.

Rudy goes from 26m to 34m
Don goes from 5m to 28m
Bogey goes from 17m to 18m
Ingles goes from 10m to 12m
Royce goes from 8.5m to 8.8m
Favors goes from 9.2m to 9.7m
Clarkson goes from 11.5m to 12.4m

Guys who are not guaranteed next season
Oni would be 1.7m
Thomas would be 1.7m
Guys who are FA next season
Conley
Ersan
Brantley
Morgan
Niang
Forrest
It won’t be until 23/24 season that we have any serious cap room the way the roster is currently constructed.

Posted by Matt_Grbac (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Matt_Grbac) on Jun 17, 2021 | 12:14 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley#541476287)



the bigger problem is 4 or 5? more years of Mitchell. 2 more of Bojan. 2 more of Favors. 3 more of Clarkson. Niang is gone. Morgan and Brantley would be stupid to stay


Not having a full roster for the playoffs makes it hard to know if we were good enough, or close enough to bring it back again. Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Jun 17, 2021 | 12:43 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley#541477552)



and that will be their excuse not to make the big changes that need to made starting with the Wizard and COTY


A disaster, a total meltdown. In my opinion it was because we had a lack of quality depth. Bogey was out and we had a ragtag group of gleaguers replacing him. This year same freaking thing. Going to lose being up 2-0 because of a lack of quality depth.

We have gotten ourselves into a predicament with our roster management. We can’t go get quality bench pieces. We are stuck with this core of players, who quite frankly are not good enough without better subs.

Posted by Matt_Grbac (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Matt_Grbac) on Jun 17, 2021 | 1:16 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley#541478778)



same problem as this year. COTY not willing to change anything. Brantley, Tucker and Oni would ahve guarded Murray better than Mitchell, Clarkson or Conley


GSW probably would have beat TOR if they only lost one all-star. Losing two is probably impossible to overcome, even for an all-time great team like GSW.

Posted by Palmetto Bug (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Palmetto%20Bug) on Jun 17, 2021 | 2:57 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley#541482701)



no they don't


we need to draft the next Milsap in the 2nd round or find a Royce, Ingles, or a Wesley Mathews
and give them some mins with starters to develop asap instead of rot on bench like our scrubs
Q’s short rotations are not easy on players in the long run as they increase odds of injury


Posted by statpower (https://www.sbnation.com/users/statpower) on Jun 17, 2021 | 2:46 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley#541482297)



they have some young guys now that could help. The fact that he keeps running the same guys out there regardless for two straight years is a joke!


The coaching staff didn’t seem to have a plan beyond "hit contested shots at a beyond ridiculous rate, and let DM take over, on one leg, in the second half." Gotta do better than that at this stage. I love checkers. But that’s some checkers against chess shit. Posted by hamfist (https://www.sbnation.com/users/hamfist) on Jun 17, 2021 | 1:36 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley#541479514)



and COTY will probably get an extension for his efforts. The hope now is that the new owner will finally bring the big changes to the organization that have been needed for decades. Ainge?


Carlisle out in Dallas - think that's 7 coaches gone this year. Bit of a surprise – I wonder if he has something lined up already. GM yesterday, coach today.

Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Jun 17, 2021 | 2:23 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley#541481249)



If UTA didn’t have Snyder I would love to see them bring in Carlisle.

Posted by Palmetto Bug (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Palmetto%20Bug) on Jun 17, 2021 | 3:16 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley#541483416)



Ainge and Carlisle? Please!


If Donney rested after game 2, he may be better equipped tomorrow with 1 week of healing
I just hope he didnt do permenant damage to his ankles (DWILL 2.0 after he landed on Derrick Rose’s foot )


Posted by statpower (https://www.sbnation.com/users/statpower) on Jun 17, 2021 | 2:42 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/17/22538435/its-do-or-die-for-the-utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-mike-conley#541482124)



if he listened to the team doctors who knows

[Xiao Yao You]

https://hoopshabit.com/2021/06/16/utah-jazz-mitchell-malone-stockton/


Above all, both guys were members of the famed 1992 NBA Dream Team that won gold in the Barcelona Olympics. Donovan Mitchell has yet to even participate in an Olympic event. He might, but right now, he hasn’t, and that’s taken into consideration when making this abundantly clear. Furthermore, in terms of the greatest Jazz player ever, need we also mention Pete “Pistol Pete” Maravich?



A.D., Deron, Gobert. Mitchell isn't in the conversation

[Xiao Yao You]

The Magic have begun their interview process, sources said, but their coaching search is expected to be wide-ranging and almost certainly will include candidates in addition to Green, Hammon, Kidd, Lee, Udoka and Unseld. Tyrone Corbin, Pat Delany and Steve Hetzel — assistant coaches under Clifford who currently remain under contract with Orlando — could be interviewed, if they haven’t been interviewed already. (https://theathletic.com/2659062/2021/06/17/three-new-candidates-emerge-in-orlando-magic-coaching-search/) Many league insiders who work for other teams think the Magic could have interest in as many as three members of the LA Clippers’ coaching staff: associate head coach Dan Craig and assistant coaches Kenny Atkinson and Chauncey Billups.
– via Josh Robbins @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/2659062/2021/06/17/three-new-candidates-emerge-in-orlando-magic-coaching-search/)

[El Kabong]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50188092/jazz-pushed-to-brink-of-elimination-as-clippers-win-3rd-straight-to-take-3-2-series-lead



You and I know it. Everyone else thinks it's all about 3's

Bad mindset to be in thinking you can just shoot your way out of trouble. May work in the regular season, but that shit won't fly in the playoffs, even in today's league. Gotta make stops at some point cause the shot won't always be falling no matter how good you are.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461760/jazz-game-six-brink-of-elimination-mailbag/


Furthermore, this is the rotation Snyder has used all year, even when Conley went down for 21 games during the regular season, and the Jazz went 15-6 during that stretch. That’s a pretty good batting average.



and could have been even better if he played his best guys


With a long list of wings and perimeter players already on the roster, the Jazz erred on the side of familiarity by signing Favors and giving him the full MLE. That didn’t leave a lot of money for a wing defender outside of Shaq Harrison, who they signed during training camp.



and was stupid.


Harrison was never able to crack the rotation and was waived by midseason, and Favors gave the Jazz good, but not spectacular play for most of the season. At this point, Favors $10 million per season looks like it might be a tough pill to swallow for the next two years.



looked that way when they signed him and still didn't have a 4


Then, when Udoka Azubuike went down with a severe ankle injury, while rookie defensive wings like Desmond Bane and Jaden McDaniels showed promise throughout the season, it made the decision to draft a third-string center with a first-round draft pick look even worse.



no center is what they needed. A rookie wasn't going to play


Additionally, not using the bi-annual exception remains a strange choice over the last two seasons, especially with some of the low-cost players in the postseason right now that are making impacts on their teams.



but than you wouldn't have Hughes! The most puzzling of them all


Overall, signing Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, and Clarkson to extensions were big wins, some of the moves around those pieces have yet to pan out.



Clarkson not a win and Mitchell remains to be seen


A lot of these moves are coin tosses, sometimes they work, and sometimes they don’t.



and outside Gobert the Jazz usually lose


Had Ilyasova spent more time in the rotation maybe he’d be playing more in the playoffs, but with the Jazz chasing the top seed and the team winning at a high rate, perhaps the opportunity never presented itself.



which is a joke. He's been one of their best players when he played. Only reason I can see not playing him because he fouls


However, the Jazz may cap how much they’re willing to throw at him, understanding his struggles in these playoffs, while another team is willing to pay a higher price to add an elite shooter to their roster.



he's gone. Have to pay Mitchell, Favors, Clarkson, Bojan and Hughes!

[Xiao Yao You]

Bad mindset to be in thinking you can just shoot your way out of trouble. May work in the regular season, but that shit won't fly in the playoffs, even in today's league. Gotta make stops at some point cause the shot won't always be falling no matter how good you are.

and they look so much better when they are running pick and roll and the ball is moving instead of just settling for 3's. Been to easy to defend them

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/17/22530375/if-the-utah-jazz-want-to-stave-off-elimination-miscommunication-and-bad-defensive-rotations-must-go


“When guys get open looks just because they’re a ‘non-shooter,’ we can’t give them easy ones,” Donovan Mitchell said. “We’ve got to get out there and contest and make them see a hand. ... All these shots, we’ve got to make it tougher. If we don’t, we’re going to be at home. We have no choice at this point.”



love it when Mitchell talks about playing D and passing the ball :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://thejnotes.com/2021/06/17/utah-jazz-desperation-moves-quin-snyder/2/


Utah Jazz rotation proposal: Give all Georges Niang time to Jordan Clarkson

yeah more Clarkson is the answer :roll:


Utah Jazz rotation proposal: Just give all Miye Oni minutes to someone else

at least try someone else. Ersan for sure should play and Morgan and Brantley are better as well. Even Forrest if you want another non shooter out there or Thomas if you think you aren't throwing up enough 3's already


Utah Jazz rotation proposal: Give all Derrick Favors time to Ersan Ilyasova

worth a try at least

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/john-stockton-anti-vaxxer-documentary-01f8fk30edha?utm_source=RSS

:cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/461828/jazz-wont-risk-further-injury-to-mitchell-or-conley/


“Donovan has been playing through pain from the beginning of the playoffs,” Snyder said pregame.



should have never been playing until 100%. Maybe Mitchell will learn to listen to team doctors? Maybe Jazz will quit letting players dictate what they do? Doubt it

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/18/22532309/game-6-preview-utah-jazz-vs-la-clippers-3-things-to-watch-for-as-jazz-face-elimination


Can the Jazz get solid contributions from their bench?

will Snyder try some different guys?

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Mike: “Once Terance Mann started hitting 3s and getting to the rim, that changed the game. Reggie Jackson finishing at the rim was tough. (https://*********.com/social/) We needed to help each other, and we were a step or two slow on every rotation. And you can’t do that in a hostile environment on the road.”
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Rudy Gobert on the 2H: “They were the tougher team over the course of the series, more connected over the course of the series. … For us, it’s pretty much the story of our season. (https://*********.com/social/) For us to take another step in the playoffs, a lot of things are gonna have to be better.”

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




Eric Walden: Rudy Gobert said he fell on his hip on the 1Q, couldn’t feel his right side, couldn’t move as well afterward (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




he definitely didn't look right

[Xiao Yao You]

Ben Anderson: Donovan Mitchell on his summer: “It hasn’t fully sunk in for me yet. I’m still in shock. This summer is gonna look a little different because obviously I’m hurt so definitely trying to rehab first.” (https://*********.com/social/) Said this hurts worse that losing 3-1 last year. #takenote | @UtahJazz

– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)




Eric Walden: Donovan Mitchell: “We turned the ball over a lot, didn’t execute defensively, didn’t get back. We were up 22 ****ing points.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)







Eric Walden: Donovan Mitchell: “We made great adjustments. The coaches made great adjustments. And we just didn’t execute. That’s on the players on the floor.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)



:facepalm

[El Kabong]

Been a defender of Snyder, but that is awful, awful coaching by him. Just baffling that he refused to change anything in a do or die game where they were getting roasted in the 2nd half.

Also feel like Gobert is copping way too much shit for this result, and a lot of it seems to just be down to him being French? Like what the hell is he supposed to do? Rudy is guarding a corner, has to constantly leave his man because the perimeter D can't stop anyone from driving, Rudy rotates to stop that, leaves his man open, skip pass out to the open man, rest of the players don't rotate, open guy hits the 3. Like he's gotta constantly cover for 4 other guys and everyone is just hammering him saying he's a fake.

Management need to come under some fire for building this roster too, just too many holes in one set area that the Clippers could exploit.

[Xiao Yao You]

Been a defender of Snyder, but that is awful, awful coaching by him. Just baffling that he refused to change anything in a do or die game where they were getting roasted in the 2nd half.

Also feel like Gobert is copping way too much shit for this result, and a lot of it seems to just be down to him being French? Like what the hell is he supposed to do? Rudy is guarding a corner, has to constantly leave his man because the perimeter D can't stop anyone from driving, Rudy rotates to stop that, leaves his man open, skip pass out to the open man, rest of the players don't rotate, open guy hits the 3. Like he's gotta constantly cover for 4 other guys and everyone is just hammering him saying he's a fake.

Management need to come under some fire for building this roster too, just too many holes in one set area that the Clippers could exploit.

Pretty much. I don't think being French has much to do with it. People just have a hard time with a guy being considered good without scoring points/triple doubles/highlite dunks. The one hope is that new ownership will be able to make the bold moves that the Millers never would. Lindsey has been bad other than lucking out with Gobert. His long love of Exum was especially bad. Two years in a row for Snyder in the playoffs doing nothing as the other coach does whatever he has to do. Gobert makes him a defensive guru? Fell in love with the 3 ball this year at the expense of a balanced attack and ball movement. I'm hoping the rumors of Lindsey back to Houston and Ainge to Utah come to fruition. New head coach. Find new homes for Clarkson, Favors and Hughes somehow. Funny how last year it was all Tony Bradley's fault! Hope Mitchell lives up to the hype. Sign Conley despite the hamstring. He was too good. Move Bojan to the bench. Get a starting PF and surround Gobert with defenders/shooters not one or the other.