You have to feel good for Alec Burks.
After largely falling out of Utah’s rotation, Alec Burks showed flashes in the Game 1 loss with an impressive 10 points in just two minutes on the floor. Many fans, including myself, didn’t buy the hype of Burks’ Game 1 garbage time scoring barrage.
After logging just five total minutes over the first five games of the series, Burks proved invaluable in the Game 6 victory.
After Ricky Rubio left the game with a hamstring injury in the game’s opening period, Coach Quin Snyder turned to Dante Exum. Exum looked lost in his short-lived opportunity. The spotlight was then on Burks to step up and help the Jazz fill the void left by Rubio.
The former 12th overall pick did not disappoint. Burks scored 11 points in 17 minutes, including a couple HUGE buckets down the stretch to help the Jazz close out the game.
Snyder had high praise for Alec in his post-game press conference:
The star of Game 6, Donovan Mitchell, also made sure to give a shout out to Utah’s X-factor on Friday night…
Who knows what this will mean for AB’s role going into the second round, but a night like Friday night has to feel good for him. Thanks, Alec!
</div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">ALEC BURKS</h3> <span class="position">G,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B+</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>You have to feel good for Alec Burks.</p>
<p>After largely falling out of Utah’s rotation, Alec Burks showed flashes in the Game 1 loss with an impressive 10 points in just two minutes on the floor. Many fans, including myself, didn’t buy the hype of Burks’ Game 1 garbage time scoring barrage.</p>
<p>After logging just five total minutes over the first five games of the series, Burks proved invaluable in the Game 6 victory.</p>
<p>After Ricky Rubio left the game with a hamstring injury in the game’s opening period, Coach Quin Snyder turned to Dante Exum. Exum looked lost in his short-lived opportunity. The spotlight was then on Burks to step up and help the Jazz fill the void left by Rubio.</p>
<p>The former 12th overall pick did not disappoint. Burks scored 11 points in 17 minutes, including a couple HUGE buckets down the stretch to help the Jazz close out the game.</p>
<p>Snyder had high praise for Alec in his post-game press conference:</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quin Snyder: "Alec Burks is the best example of that tonight. Whether it be foul trouble or an injury, we've had guys step up. He's stayed ready. We don't win that game without Alec. There's no question about it."</p>
<p>— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/990105227733811201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 28, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>The star of Game 6, Donovan Mitchell, also made sure to give a shout out to Utah’s X-factor on Friday night…</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"And shoutout to Alec Burks." My whole ❤️ <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://t.co/wWo73BsUEW">pic.twitter.com/wWo73BsUEW
<p>— Kris (@5kl) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/5kl/status/990104782948909057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 28, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Who knows what this will mean for AB’s role going into the second round, but a night like Friday night has to feel good for him. Thanks, Alec!</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/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Derrick Favors </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="A-" data-name="DERRICK FAVORS" data-meta-a="PF/C" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F942473072-los-angeles-lakers-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DERRICK FAVORS</h3> <span class="position">PF/C,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">A-</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>Derrick “Ice in his veins” Favors.</p>
<p>The Jazz had the ball with just over a minute left in Game 6 with Utah holding a one-point lead over the Thunder. With the shot clock expiring, Favors knocked down the game’s biggest shot, a 19-footer to give the Jazz a three-point lead.</p>
<p>OKC, despite a seemingly endless amount of attempts, wasn’t able to close that three-point margin created by Favors en route to Utah’s five-point victory. BIG TIME shot from a BIG TIME player.</p>
<p>Favors has been an absolute stud all season and carried his superb, yet underrated, play into the postseason. Much like last year’s first-round victory over the LA Clippers, D-Faves played an instrumental part in Utah’s victory over OKC.</p>
<p>And for those of you saying I was wrong in my pre-series opinion that Favors was clearly the winner in his matchup with Carmelo Anthony…</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">1st Round PF Matchup</p>
<p>Carmelo Anthony: 11.8 PTS, 5.7 REB, 0.3 AST, 0.7 BLK, 37.5 FG%, 21.4 3P%, 73.3 FT%, -9.7</p>
<p>Derrick Favors: 12.3 PTS, 7.2 REB, 1.5 AST, 1.3 BLK, 61.7 FG%, 50 3P%, 50 FT%, +9.5</p>
<p>— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/AndrewDBailey/status/990109312763625472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 28, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Another great first-round performance form Favors. Let’s see if he can carry it into the second round against Houston. Utah will need all they can get from him against the top-seeded Rockets.</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/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Jonas Jerebko </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B" data-name="JONAS JEREBKO" data-meta-a="F" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F944489154-golden-state-warriors-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">JONAS JEREBKO</h3> <span class="position">F,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>Much like Burks, Jonas Jerebko’s role was largely limited for much of the opening round.</p>
<p>After a rough defensive stretch in Game 1 against Carmelo, Jonas didn’t see much of the floor this series.</p>
<p>Jerebko’s biggest contribution, however, came in Utah’s 102-95 Game 2 victory in OKC. He logged 13 minutes and added 10 points and five boards to help Utah secure the victory and tie the series up at one game apiece heading back to Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>With Houston providing a much different look than OKC, we could see Quin Snyder find ways to utilize Jerebko’s skill set to help slow down the Rockets and provide Utah with some bench scoring.</p>
<p>For now, Jerebko will have to make the most of the limited opportunities he is given as playoff rotations continue to tighten up as the playoffs go on.</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/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Joe Ingles </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="A" data-name="JOE INGLES" data-meta-a="SF" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F03%2F933178252-utah-jazz-v-new-orleans-pelicans.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">JOE INGLES</h3> <span class="position">SF,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">A</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>Just when I thought my love for Joe Ingles couldn’t grow anymore, this series happened.</p>
<p>I’ve admitted that I was one of the skeptical fans about Ingles’ new contract this past offseason. I was dead wrong. Ingles isn’t just a good locker room guy or a floor-stretching shooter. He’s far more.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>His composure in huge moments is one of the major reasons Utah’s postseason will continue in Houston on Sunday afternoon. After Rubio went out in Game 6, Ingles did a phenomenal job helping the Jazz stay focused.</p>
<p>His ability to run the offense and facilitate the ball to teammates is just as impressive as his nearly 47 percent three-point shooting for the series.</p>
<p>Combine those attributes with his relentless perimeter defense, and you have yourself a heck of a postseason weapon. Even if he does look like a math teacher.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">i'm old enough to remember when paul george was staring down lebron james in the playoffs and now he's getting his lunch eaten by joe ingles</p>
<p>— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/SheaSerrano/status/988631816184659968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 24, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Paul George may have gotten the best of Ingles in Game 1, but great players are going to have great nights like that every once in a while. Overall, Ingles did a fantastic job helping to hold OKC’s stars in check all series.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don't let Donovan Mitchell's career night distract you from the fact that a man who gave himself the nickname "Playoff P" has more turnovers (6) than points (5) in an elimination game, shooting 2-16 from the floor. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://t.co/Za0aBEXHaC">pic.twitter.com/Za0aBEXHaC
<p>— StatMuse (@statmuse) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/990099300582539264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 28, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>I will never question Ingles’ contract again. Heck! Give the man whatever he wants!</p>
<p>*Inset coffee emoji here*</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/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Jae Crowder </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B-" data-name="JAE CROWDER" data-meta-a="F" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F949171060-utah-jazz-v-oklahoma-city-thunder-game-two.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">JAE CROWDER</h3> <span class="position">F,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B-</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>Jae Crowder’s first-round performance had its highs and lows.</p>
<p>There is no questioning the impact he had on Utah’s second unit during the regular season. Crowder averaged nearly 10 points per game during the regular season, however, outside of a 27 point outburst in Game 5, he averaged just 5.8 points in every other game this series.</p>
<p>One could also argue that Game 5 was not even his best game. After knocking down a string of early threes, Crowder seemed to believe that he was Kobe, finishing the night with 14 attempts from downtown.</p>
<p>Yes, a 32 percent three-point shooter took FOURTEEN attempts.</p>
<p>It wasn’t all bad for Crowder though. In such a tough series, his physicality was a huge factor for the Jazz. His toughness and experience on both ends of the floor were key components that helped the Jazz advance and should continue to benefit them against Houston.</p>
<p>If Utah has any shot of knocking off the West’s top seed, their bench will need to step it up. That starts with Crowder.</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/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Rudy Gobert </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="A" data-name="RUDY GOBERT" data-meta-a="C" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F03%2F935436896-atlanta-hawks-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">RUDY GOBERT</h3> <span class="position">C,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">A</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>If there was still any debate about how much Rudy Gobert’s presence truly affects Utah’s chances, look no further than Game 5.</p>
<p>Leading the series 3-1, the Jazz built a commanding 25-point lead in the third quarter that was seemingly the final blow to OKC. The series would end in five games on the Thunder’s home floor. The only problem is that it didn’t.</p>
<p>Gobert had done a fantastic job all series containing Paul George and Russell Westbrook. His stifling rim protection essentially forced OKC’s two stars to become jump shooters. And while they are both more than capable of knocking down shots, it forced the Thunder to play a far less reliable game.</p>
<p>It was no coincidence that Westbrook started getting to the rim at will as soon as Rudy picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter of Game 5. OKC, led by Westbrook, rallied from 25 down to defeat the Jazz and take the series to a Game 6.</p>
<p>There is no question in my mind that if Rudy isn’t in foul trouble, the Jazz close out that game and finish the Thunder off in five games.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">My guess is most people remember this Utah-OKC series as the "Donovan Mitchell, Superstar” series. And that’s earned. But man, remember it for Rudy Gobert, too. OKC shot 52.4% at the basket in halfcourt, 5% worse than their season average. Took lower % of their shots there, too.</p>
<p>— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/Sam_Vecenie/status/990254388139540485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 28, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Donovan is a star, but Rudy is this team’s foundation.</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/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Royce O'Neale </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B+" data-name="ROYCE O'NEALE" data-meta-a="G/F" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F947352704-utah-jazz-v-oklahoma-city-thunder-game-one.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">ROYCE O'NEALE</h3> <span class="position">G/F,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B+</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>Alongside Burks, Royce O’Neale was a much-needed surprise off Utah’s bench in Game 6.</p>
<p>Just getting meaningful minutes in a closeout playoff win is a huge success for not only O’Neale, but for Dennis Lindsey and his staff. #InDennisWeTrust</p>
<p>Remember, O’Neale is an undrafted rookie. You would never know that by the way he played Friday night, though. The Baylor product was a huge factor for Utah in Game 6, especially on the defensive end.</p>
<p>O’Neale came up with a few huge defensive stops late in the game that led to transition points for the Jazz. He also didn’t back down in his matchups with George. The dude is an absolute stud and just keeps getting better.</p>
<p>There will inevitably be ups and downs with an undrafted rookie, but there is no questioning O’Neale’s impact on this series.</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/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Ricky Rubio </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="A+" data-name="RICKY RUBIO" data-meta-a="PG" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F941636610-los-angeles-lakers-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">RICKY RUBIO</h3> <span class="position">PG,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">A+</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>When Ricky Rubio plays well enough to get in the former MVP’s head, that is an automatic “A” in my book.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imagine having an All-Star PG and SF and they have Ricky Rubio and Joe Ingles taking refuge in their heads.</p>
<p>— Justin Grant (@ThePackageJG) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/ThePackageJG/status/988625529275330560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 24, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Despite missing most of Game 6, Rubio was incredible this series. He may not have the jaw-dropping scoring numbers that Westbrook put up, but he may have just outplayed his Oklahoma City counterpart.</p>
<p>In the five games that he started and finished this series, Rubio averaged 16.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists. Rubio also added 1.6 steals per game.</p>
<p>Aside from his Game 3 triple-double, Rubio’s defense and leadership helped propel him to the second-round in his first ever playoff experience.</p>
<p>Again, Mitchell will probably get most of the attention for Utah’s success, but Rubio has played as big of a role as any in Utah’s impressive postseason play.</p>
<p>Even with so many Jazzmen stepping up their play in the opening round, Rubio still might have been Utah’s series MVP.</p>
<p>Utah will need a healthy Rubio running the show in the second round to compete with the high-scoring Rockets.</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/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Dante Exum </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="C" data-name="DANTE EXUM" data-meta-a="G" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F946699146-utah-jazz-v-oklahoma-city-thunder-game-one.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DANTE EXUM</h3> <span class="position">G,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">C</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>After missing the majority of the season with injury, Dante Exum returned to Utah’s rotation in March.</p>
<p>Despite the ups and downs of his return, Exum showed plenty of signs for Jazz fans to be optimistic. Heading into the playoffs, many considered Exum to be a much-needed X-factor off of Utah’s bench.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>After a 10 point performance of 4-of-6 shooting in Game 1, Exum failed to score more than four points in a single game the rest of the series. The moment appeared too big for the former 5th overall pick.</p>
<p>There is no questioning Exum’s quickness and ability to get to the rim. Combining those skills with his length can create a number of matchup advantages in Exum’s favor. He just never seemed to be able to get into the flow of the game throughout the series.</p>
<p>Rubio’s Game 6 injury provided Exum with a golden opportunity to take the reins with an extended role. After an early turnover, Coach Snyder elected to roll with Burks over Exum.</p>
<p>The Jazz are hoping that Exum can develop into a perfect backcourt partner for Mitchell for years to come. If the first round is any indication, Exum still has a long way to go.</p>
<p>It’ll be interesting to see how much trust Snyder puts in him going forward and what Utah’s front office decides to do with Exum in the offseason. Regardless of his future role with the team, the Jazz simply need more production out of their six-foot-six guard.</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/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Donovan Mitchell </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="A" data-name="DONOVAN MITCHELL" data-meta-a="G" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F947357482-utah-jazz-v-oklahoma-city-thunder-game-one.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DONOVAN MITCHELL</h3> <span class="position">G,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">A</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>It is a shame the Rookie of the Year voting takes place before the playoffs. If the voting were to take place now, Mitchell would be a lock for the award.</p>
<p>After his performance this series, “rookie” awards almost seem beneath Mitchell now. Like he said, he and the Jazz have much bigger goals to worry about.</p>
<p>The 13th overall pick in last year’s draft has become a star all season, however, his play during the playoffs can only be categorized as that of a superstar.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Donovan Mitchell with 38 points in an elimination game. We're watching the start of a superstar career. (via <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/NBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@nba) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://t.co/ZLNhAlqTE1">pic.twitter.com/ZLNhAlqTE1
<p>— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/SLAMonline/status/990101766959136768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 28, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>Coming into the series, it appeared that OKC had the series’ best two players in George and Westbrook. After the series, we may have a debate on our hands.</p>
<p>My biggest concern before the series started was whether or not Mitchell and Rubio would shrink under the pressures of postseason basketball. Just the opposite happened.</p>
<p>Mitchell elevated his game to a new level and carried Utah’s offense at times. Just look at his first-round stats (REMINDER: This was his first ever playoff series):</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Donovan Mitchell in his first NBA playoff series:</p>
<p>28.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.7 TOV, 1.5 STLs, 46-36-92 splits</p>
<p>— Ben Dowsett (@Ben_Dowsett) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://twitter.com/Ben_Dowsett/status/990099636227469312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 28, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>As the legend of the Spida continues to grow, so do Utah’s chances in the postseason.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/28/utah-jazz-grading-each-jazzmans-first-round-performance/2/"https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/27/utah-jazz-mitchell-outduels-westbrook-in-thriller-jazz-advance/">