SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 06: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets drives around Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s Game 5, the Utah Jazz have plenty to fight for and prove before the season’s end.
After defeating the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals, it appeared as if the Utah Jazz had new life and an excellent opportunity to continue their 2017-18 trend of shocking the world. The team seemed confident in their post-game interviews and for good reason. Earning a 1-1 series split with the next two games set to be played on their home court was as good a reason for optimism as any.
And the players weren’t the only ones feeling good about their chances at home against this Houston team. The sample size may not be representative of all of Jazz Nation, but just check out these fan poll results prior to Game 3 from The J-Notes Twitter page:
Now that’s what I call optimism right there! And unfortunately, the Rockets proved it to be folly. There’s a reason Houston is the number one seed in the West and they proved it thoroughly in Games 3 and 4 in which the Jazz were handily defeated in both bouts on their home floor.
Now, on the brink of elimination facing a 3-1 deficit, the Utah Jazz will head back to Houston for Game 5. Many are saying the series is already over and it may very well be. The Rockets have been exceptional against the Jazz on both ends of the floor, particularly by slowing Utah’s offense that has a hard time getting going in the first place.
Nevertheless, regardless of if the Jazz win or lose on Tuesday, Game 5 is still important. Whether they force a Game 6 or they find themselves playing the final game of the season, there were several discouraging aspects of Game 4 that the Jazz shouldn’t want to continue and become the final note of what has truly been a stupendous 2017-18 season.
While there’s a lot of changes they need to make, the following three are those that I most want to see out of the Jazz on Tuesday regardless of the outcome.
Utah Jazz</a> had new life and an excellent opportunity to continue their 2017-18 trend of shocking the world. The team seemed confident in their post-game interviews and for good reason. Earning a 1-1 series split with the next two games set to be played on their home court was as good a reason for optimism as any.</p>
<p>And the players weren’t the only ones feeling good about their chances at home against this Houston team. The sample size may not be representative of all of Jazz Nation, but just check out these fan poll results prior to Game 3 from The J-Notes Twitter page:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Game 3 tonight, Jazz Nation! What are your predictions? Vote for your outcome in the poll and reply with details!</p>
<p>— The J-Notes (@TheJNotes) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/TheJNotes/status/992411736828403712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 4, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Now that’s what I call optimism right there! And unfortunately, the Rockets proved it to be folly. There’s a reason Houston is the number one seed in the West and they proved it thoroughly in Games 3 and 4 in which the Jazz were handily defeated in both bouts on their home floor.</p>
<p>Now, on the brink of elimination facing a 3-1 deficit, the Utah Jazz will head back to Houston for Game 5. Many are saying the series is already over and it may very well be. The Rockets have been exceptional against the Jazz on both ends of the floor, particularly by slowing Utah’s offense that has a hard time getting going in the first place.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, regardless of if the Jazz win or lose on Tuesday, Game 5 is still important. Whether they force a Game 6 or they find themselves playing the final game of the season, there were several discouraging aspects of Game 4 that the Jazz shouldn’t want to continue and become the final note of what has truly been a stupendous 2017-18 season.</p>
<p>While there’s a lot of changes they need to make, the following three are those that I most want to see out of the Jazz on Tuesday regardless of the outcome.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Donovan Mitchell showcasing mental toughness </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 06: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to his basket in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Donovan Mitchell showcasing mental toughness</h3>
<p>This series against Houston has been difficult for Jazz rookie <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mitchdo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Donovan Mitchell</a>. He’s found out first-hand how much tougher of a team the Rockets are than the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’ve challenged him defensively with a number of solid perimeter defenders and a monster in the paint in <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/capelca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Clint Capela</a>.</p>
<p>Game 3 was nothing short of rock bottom for him as he finished the contest with just 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting while logging a plus/minus of minus-31. He was able to bounce back somewhat in Game 4 as he turned in 25 points (his most of the series), nine rebounds and four steals, but he was still inefficient going just 8-of-24 from the field and 2-of-7 from deep.</p>
<p>Not only that, but Mitchell was visibly frustrated throughout the contest. Some of that frustration was well-justified such as when <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hardeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">James Harden</a> clearly smacked his arm on a layup attempt and no foul was called (see below) causing Mitchell to exclaim to the closest ref, “You were right here!”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“U were right here! U were right here!” </p>
<p>— Donovan Mitchell at refs in disbelief at non-call on Harden. Exhibit 287 of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheHardenRules?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#TheHardenRules</a> <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://t.co/p2OFNIGhDM">pic.twitter.com/p2OFNIGhDM
<p>— ChuckModi (@ChuckModi1) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/ChuckModi1/status/993316282664710144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 7, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Make no mistake about it, whether you think the problem lies with the players or with NBA rules, playing against the likes of Harden and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/paulch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Chris Paul</a> is frustrating. They are absolute experts at their craft, whether you appreciate that craft or not. In that regard, it’s totally understandable why Donovan would lose his cool.</p>
<p>However, in some ways, he seemed to let his frustration get the better of him. As he walked to the tunnel after the game, he had some harsh words to say about Harden. The clean version of which was, “If that’s what he needs to win the MVP, so be it!” I’ll let you look up the NSFW version on your own.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Donovan Mitchell walking into the locker room after the Jazz’ Game 4 loss to Houston: “If that’s what he needs to win the MVP, so be it.” <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/HOUatUTA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#HOUatUTA</a></p>
<p>— Jake Edmonds (@JakeKUTV) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/JakeKUTV/status/993316590773977088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 7, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>In truth, this was mere seconds after a crushing loss and, as I said, Mitchell had every right to be frustrated. If it were me, I probably would have said a lot worse, to be honest!</p>
<p>Still, pinning the blame on calls or antics of opposing players is an uncommon look for the rookie who is normally so composed. Furthermore, later on in his post-game interview, he seemed quite defeated rather than maintaining that killer instinct and true belief that the series isn’t over until the opponent wins four games.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kind of a telling slip-up from Mitchell after talking about Chris Paul: "We've all got our things to work on. After the series is over, maybe I'll go look back on the season."</p>
<p>— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/kylegoon/status/993338514732273664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 7, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Hopefully that was more an effect of being disappointed in the loss and Mitchell wasn’t as downcast as he seemed. Either way, the major thing I want to see out of Donovan in Game 5 is mental resilience. He knows how hard it can be to go up against two future Hall of Famers in Paul and Harden. He knows how good this Rockets team is. He knows how much the Jazz need him to perform well in order for him to succeed.</p>
<p>He also knows that the chances of Utah fighting back and winning this series are slim. Nevertheless, I hope he puts that all to the side and comes out electric in Game 5. Win or lose, the Jazz need Mitchell to show that he can bounce back mentally, play well after a frustrating game and tough series, and truly be the emotional leader for the Jazz regardless of if it forces a Game 6 or turns out to be his last game of the year.</p>
<p>Not only do the Jazz need that out of him, but Mitchell needs that for himself. His Game 4 frustrations were somewhat uncharacteristic for the electrifying rookie and bouncing back will be huge for his confidence, whether it’s a springboard to extend the series or to get his offseason started out on the right foot.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Rudy Gobert revenge game </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 6: Clint Capela #15 and Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets play defense against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Rudy Gobert needs to have a revenge game</h3>
<p>We can talk all day about how Clint Capela enjoys a more ideal situation than <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Rudy Gobert</a> based on the talent surrounding him, the fact that his starting point guard isn’t injured like Rudy’s is and that Utah has left Gobert on an island defensively on several occasions. Nevertheless, even while considering all that, the fact remains that Capela has completely out-played Gobert this series.</p>
<p>That was on full display in Game 4. Capela was a monster on both ends of the floor, causing Gobert to be ineffective and making him look largely lost throughout the night. Capela had just one more point than Gobert (12 compared to 11), but he had five more rebounds (15) and twice as many blocks – six on the evening. Perhaps most telling, Gobert was a game-low minus-27. In short, Capela rendered him useless on both ends of the court.</p>
<p>The good news about that? If anyone knows that he’s been outplayed, it’s Rudy himself. Knowing the kind of competitor Rudy Gobert is, I guarantee that he’s frustrated with how things have gone in the series, particularly with how they went in Game 4. And I fully expect him to come out looking to bounce back and with a major chip on his shoulder.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rudy Gobert’s -27 tonight… very, very uncharacteristic. He was outplayed pretty significantly by Capela.</p>
<p>— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/993318416147623936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 7, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>In fairness, he needs help from his teammates. He can’t be expected to provide help defense on Harden/Paul, stay on Capela, contest the shot AND rebound all in a single play. The Jazz perimeter defenders need to do a better job of keeping the guards out of the paint. And if they are beat, Gobert’s teammates need to be prepared to have his back on Capela if he’s forced to step out and be the help defender.</p>
<p>While that should happen, regardless of whether it does or not, the fact remains the same. Rudy Gobert needs to up his game on Tuesday. He’s been doubted several times throughout his career and has responded extremely well on several occasions. I’ll feel a lot better about going into Game 6 or going into the offseason if Gobert has a revenge game in Game 5. I’m sure that would be even more the case for Rudy himself.</p>
<p>Gobert knows how good he is and how poorly he’s played this series. That needs to be reversed in Game 5.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Joe Ingles unafraid to let it fly </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 06: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a call in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Joe Ingles has to show he’s unafraid to let it fly</h3>
<p>In Game 1 against the Houston Rockets, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/inglejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Joe Ingles</a> was frustratingly timid. He put up just three attempts from behind the arc and converted on just one. In Game 2, it was the complete opposite. Joe was calm and confident, putting up 27 points while converting on 7-of-9 three-point attempts. Although Mitchell was praised for his heroics, it’s no stretch whatsoever to say that Ingles was the real hero of that game.</p>
<p>Since then, he’s had a good number of attempts – seven in both Games 3 and 4 – but has gone just 2-of-7 in each of those contests. Some of those have been good looks that haven’t gone down. Others haven’t been great shots. Nevertheless, seven to nine attempts is exactly where Ingles needs to be. He’s one of the greatest three-point shooters in the league and he has to continue to let them fly as such.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joe Ingles sinks an <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#NBAPlayoffs</a> franchise record 7 triples (27 PTS) to help the <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/utahjazz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@utahjazz even the series at 1! <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeNote?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#TakeNote</a> <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://t.co/PlncVDPRlM">pic.twitter.com/PlncVDPRlM
<p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/07/three-things-utah-jazz-need-prove-game-5-win-lose/"https://twitter.com/NBA/status/991881745485238272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 3, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Ingles’ lack of efficiency has really hurt the Jazz the past two games, especially in Game 3 where he also went just 2-of-10 from the field for six points. However, he still needs to reestablish himself in Game 5 as the legitimate sharpshooter that he is by being confident and continuing to let them fly from behind the arc.</p>
<p>He’s proven to be capable of that all year long, and to either go out with a bang or force a Game 6, the Jazz will need for him to do it again.</p>
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