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?
Printable View
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?
[url]https://sports.yahoo.com/danny-ainge-may-not-retired-130028023.html[/url]
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.
[url]https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22486778/under-the-weather-donovan-mitchell-led-utah-jazz-in-statement-game-to-close-out-memphis-grizzlies[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
most of us to have our own training staff to get us ready either
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
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?
[url]https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22446045/utah-jazz-first-western-conference-team-to-advance-other-takeaways-from-nba-playoffs-damian-lillard[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
what were those % before game 5?
[QUOTE]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 [URL="https://twitter.com/FDSportsbook/status/1400467314496004105?s=20"]second-best odds[/URL] of any team, behind only the Brooklyn Nets.
[/QUOTE]
big if and it's not happening with their 2nd best player Conley hurt
[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/6/3/22516514/utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-different-beast[/url]
[QUOTE]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 [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs"]NBA Playoffs[/URL]. 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.
[/QUOTE]
plenty of doubt. Had one great offensive game and 3 typically inefficient ones against the 9th seed
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
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
[QUOTE] 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.
[/QUOTE]
they won despite his and Clarkson's play
[QUOTE]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”.
[/QUOTE]
why was he so inefficient if he was scoring with such ease?
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
I wish :roll:
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
:facepalm
Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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.[/URL] … The goal is to tell great stories, and if you have that, you can make a profit.”
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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.[/URL] … Now we have a chance to do something special. That adversity is gonna come in handy when things get hard.”
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
[url]https://kslsports.com/460857/jazz-western-conference-semifinal-mailbag/[/url]
[QUOTE][h=3]Why Are The Jazz The NBA’s Top Rebounding Team[/h][/QUOTE]
Because they have one of the best rebounders in the league. Still have had issues during the year playing small
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
:bowdown:
[QUOTE][h=3]Is Time Off Before The Second Round Good?[/h][/QUOTE]
for Conley it is. Doubt it's enough time though
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
or once Gobert stayed on the floor anyway
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
could be down 0-2
[QUOTE]But even last season before the Jazz were eliminated Mitchell said it was a focus going into the bubble to become a better passer.
[/QUOTE]
more about being a more willing passer
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
more likely his shot attempts sky rocket
[QUOTE][h=3]Do Clippers Or Mavericks Have Better Coach?[/h][/QUOTE]
Carlisle. It's not close
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
also beat the Jazz going small since Snyder won't change what he does by going big
[QUOTE]The first coach who can figure this out will have accomplished something significant because truthfully, nobody has stopped Doncic.
[/QUOTE]
didn't score on Gobert last time they played. Should have success if they keep him on the perimeter
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
their 2nd best player.
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
strange how that works. Gobert must be ok?
[url]https://www.ksl.com/article/50180249/ryan-miller-the-nba-is-obsessed-with-big-markets-it-doesnt-need-to-be[/url]
[QUOTE]"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."
[/QUOTE]
the same people that think Mitchell carries the Jazz are paying attention?
[url]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[/url]
[QUOTE]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 [URL="https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22517864/mike-conley-mild-right-hamstring-strain-will-be-reevaluated-before-utah-jazz-next-nba-playoffs-game"]Mike Conley[/URL] (right hamstring) and [URL="https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22486778/under-the-weather-donovan-mitchell-led-utah-jazz-in-statement-game-to-close-out-memphis-grizzlies"]Donovan Mitchell[/URL] (right ankle) to rest and recuperate.
[/QUOTE]
If Mitchell isn't healthy he shouldn't have been playing period. Can't sit Conley sadly
[url]https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/5/22508988/nba-playoffs-utah-jazz-why-are-so-few-paying-attention-to-team[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
Hayward was the future over their best player?
Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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,[/URL] 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 [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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[/URL] — sometimes continuity and timing trumps rest.”
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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[/URL] — guys like Mann coming in, what Morris did today, Kennard, the defense that Batum played.”
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Quin Snyder, on LAC’s versatility: “You’re not going to be able to take everything away, but you have to make adjustments.[/URL] 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 [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
Andrew Greif: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Ty Lue calls Utah a “tough team,” then praised Utah’s movement and Quin Snyder[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif"]Twitter AndrewGreif[/URL]
[QUOTE] Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
Mark Medina: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina"]Twitter MarkG_Medina[/URL]
Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
[/QUOTE]
wish you cared about D
[QUOTE] Eric Walden: Bojan Bogdanovic, on Kawhi Leonard: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]“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.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
Ben Anderson: Bojan Bogdanovic on Mike Conley who went through portions of practice today with the @Utah Jazz. [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]“We’re going to really miss him if he won’t play.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/BensHoops"]Twitter BensHoops[/URL]
[/QUOTE]
Wish you played D too! Don't need Mike. Mitchell is best player Bojan! :facepalm
Andy Larsen: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Mike Conley participated in portions of practice today — but the team will wait to announce his status for Game 1 until this afternoon[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/andyblarsen"]Twitter andyblarsen[/URL]
[URL="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2944246-inside-boston-celtics-heavily-scrutinized-transition-of-power"]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.[/URL] 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 [URL="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2944246-inside-boston-celtics-heavily-scrutinized-transition-of-power"]Jake Fischer @ Bleacher Report[/URL]
[QUOTE] [URL="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 is vulnerable away from the basket Los Angeles is almost certainly going to go small in large doses with Marcus Morris Sr. at center.[/URL] 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 [URL="https://theathletic.com/2636415/2021/06/07/keys-for-the-jazz-vs-the-clippers-rudy-goberts-presence-stopping-3s-and-mike-conleys-health/"]Tony Jones @ The Athletic[/URL]
[/QUOTE]
good luck. You'll need it Clipps
[QUOTE] [URL="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 is vulnerable away from the basket Los Angeles is almost certainly going to go small in large doses with Marcus Morris Sr. at center.[/URL] 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 [URL="https://theathletic.com/2636415/2021/06/07/keys-for-the-jazz-vs-the-clippers-rudy-goberts-presence-stopping-3s-and-mike-conleys-health/"]Tony Jones @ The Athletic[/URL]
[/QUOTE]
yep. Where's Mitchell's big games been?
[url]https://www.ksl.com/article/50181394/patrick-kinahan-credibility-at-stake-for-jazz-against-clippers[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
the bigger fluke was Gobert in rare foul trouble
[QUOTE]No excuses now, unless a rash of injuries decimates the roster. Not [URL="https://www.ksl.com/article/50179507/mike-conleys-mri-reveals-mild-right-hamstring-strain-hell-be-re-evaluated-ahead-of-game-1"]even missing guard Mike Conley[/URL], who is listed as day-to-day with a mild hamstring strain, is enough to justify the favored Jazz blowing this series.
[/QUOTE]
yeah right. Their 2nd best player. M<ore Mitchell and Clarkson :roll:
[url]https://www.ksl.com/article/50181014/the-challenge-of-the-clippers-quin-snyder-explains-what-awaits-the-jazz-in-round-2[/url]
[QUOTE]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).
[/QUOTE]
I thought Rubio and Favors in the corner were?
[QUOTE]"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."
[/QUOTE]
you could have advantages if you chose but you will play the same guys no matter what
[url]https://kslsports.com/460852/utah-jazz-vs-los-angeles-clippers-series-preview/[/url]
[QUOTE]“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.”
[/QUOTE]
stupid!
[url]https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/6/22516127/utah-jazz-will-rest-be-beneficial-or-detrimental-against-la-clippers-donovan-mitchell-mike-conley[/url]
[QUOTE] [h=1]Will rest be beneficial or detrimental for the Utah Jazz against the LA Clippers?[/h]
[/QUOTE]
Conley is hurt? You serious?
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
we do know they likely win if Gobert isn't in rare foul trouble
[url]https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/6/22520432/utah-jazz-will-play-los-angeles-clippers-in-western-conference-semifinals-nba-playoffs-kawhi-leonard[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
good luck with that!
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
will miss Conley
[url]https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/6/22520657/could-the-utah-jazz-trade-for-damian-lillard-portland-trail-blazers-donovan-mitchell-weber-state[/url]
[QUOTE]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?[/QUOTE]
probably could but they prefer Mitchell
[QUOTE]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, [URL="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/damian-lillard-10814/"]per Spotrac[/URL]. 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).
[/QUOTE]
that's not getting him
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
no it couldn't
[QUOTE]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).
[/QUOTE]
Conley makes less since with him than he does now
[url]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[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
Mitchell doesn't. Conley does
[QUOTE]How healthy is Mike Conley? Will he make it through this series?
[/QUOTE]
the only question that matters
[url]https://thejnotes.com/2021/06/07/utah-jazz-can-beat-clippers-mike-conley/[/url]
[QUOTE]However, maybe of almost equal importance, Conley is a far better defender on the perimeter than Ingles and Sixth Man of the Year [URL="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/clarkjo01.html"]Jordan Clarkson[/URL], who would likely see the most significant uptick in minutes should the Jazz take the floor without their starting floor general.
[/QUOTE]
where they will miss him most
Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]
Law Murray: Lue says that plays were basically out of the window vs Mavericks after Game 2. [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU"]Twitter LawMurrayTheNU[/URL]
Andrew Greif: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]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[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif"]Twitter AndrewGreif[/URL]
NBA Central: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Karl Malone is ready for Game 1 tomorrow[/URL] (@KarlMalonejr63) pic.twitter.com/rXjq13OsoS
[HR][/HR] [INDENT] Karl Malone is ready for Game 1 tomorrow
([URL="https://twitter.com/KarlMalonejr63?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"]@KarlMalonejr63[/URL]) [URL="https://t.co/rXjq13OsoS"]pic.twitter.com/rXjq13OsoS[/URL]
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) [URL="https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/status/1402033303109128196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"]June 7, 2021[/URL][/INDENT]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral"]Twitter TheNBACentral[/URL]
Law Murray: Lue on Jazz: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]“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.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU"]Twitter LawMurrayTheNU[/URL]
Tim Reynolds: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]EXTREMELY close race: Monty Williams was second, but actually got more first-place votes than Tom Thibodeau. Quin Snyder was third[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds"]Twitter ByTimReynolds[/URL]
[QUOTE=Xiao Yao You;14338844][url]https://sports.yahoo.com/danny-ainge-may-not-retired-130028023.html[/url]
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.[/QUOTE]
Can't say I expected to hear that!
[QUOTE=El Kabong;14346558]Can't say I expected to hear that![/QUOTE]
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
[url]https://www.ksl.com/article/50181698/the-spotlight-will-be-bright-on-donovan-mitchell-against-the-clippers-good-thing-hes-ready-for-it[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
what is your excuse the rest of the time?
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
only the last game was. Can he play D now too?
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
He will punish guys if they get him the ball
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
let's put him up with 3 of the best ever! :facepalm
[url]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[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
their top two players aren't leading the way?
[url]https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/7/22523556/how-much-will-the-la-clippers-go-small-against-the-utah-jazz[/url]
[QUOTE]Almost immediately after it was determined on Sunday that [URL="https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/7/22516755/utah-jazz-vs-la-clippers-second-round-matchups-analysis"]the Utah Jazz will face the LA Clippers in the second round of the NBA playoffs[/URL], 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.
[/QUOTE]
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
[url]https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/7/22516755/utah-jazz-vs-la-clippers-second-round-matchups-analysis[/url]
[QUOTE]The Jazz’s All-Star guard has grown and become more efficient with each season, with each playoff series, with each game. [URL="https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22463506/analysis-donovan-mitchell-leads-utah-jazz-in-closeout-game-over-memphis-grizzlies-nba-playoffs"]Mitchell finished with an incredibly efficient 30 points and 10 assists in the series-winning Game 5[/URL] 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.
[/QUOTE]
can he defend?
[QUOTE]• The [URL="https://www.deseret.com/2021/6/3/22517864/mike-conley-mild-right-hamstring-strain-will-be-reevaluated-before-utah-jazz-next-nba-playoffs-game"]health of Mike Conley[/URL] 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.
[/QUOTE]
no chance without him
[QUOTE][h=4]Slow starts, letting go of leads, streaky bench play[/h][/QUOTE]
selfish play from Mitchell and Clarkson. Too much Bojan and Favors. COTY
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
Zubac is pretty good. Hopefully they play Demarcus!!! :cheers:
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
Conley not even a factor! :facepalm
[url]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[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
why does everyone have to have a big 3?
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
didn't use to hit the 3 or defend and now does both?
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
Imagine if the Jazz had got him instead? COTY might not have even played him though
[QUOTE]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).
[/QUOTE]
now he's a good one?
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
Please play him. I want to see Gobert frustrate him and bring him to tears like the old days!
[url]https://saltcityhoops.com/key-factors-in-the-clippers-jazz-matchup/[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
Even if he plays if he's hurt they have no chance
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
it paid off because COTY won't counter with any changes of his own
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
one of the best pick and roll defenders in the league
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
He will be tasked with stopping them and the rest of the Clippers. How much help he gets is the question
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
Mitchell's ankle? After forcing himself on to the floor that better not be an issue at this point
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
Conley is
[QUOTE]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?
[/QUOTE]
COTY maneuvering? They'll target Mitchell and Clarkson first
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
it will come down to D. Jazz have to be a lot better than they were in the last series
[url]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[/url]
[QUOTE]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.
[/QUOTE]
How does Mitchell stack up against Conley? He doesn't
[url]https://thejnotes.com/2021/06/07/utah-jazz-can-beat-clippers-mike-conley/[/url]
[QUOTE][h=1]Utah Jazz: Can they beat the Clippers without Mike Conley?[/h][/QUOTE]
no
[QUOTE]However, maybe of almost equal importance, Conley is a far better defender on the perimeter than Ingles and Sixth Man of the Year [URL="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/clarkjo01.html"]Jordan Clarkson[/URL], who would likely see the most significant uptick in minutes should the Jazz take the floor without their starting floor general.
[/QUOTE]
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