In two games in this series, the Golden State Warriors have not trailed for a second, showing their absolute dominance over the Utah Jazz. In Game 2, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green combined for 69 points, 20 assists, and 22 rebounds. The ball movement was flawless for the Warriors, as they accumulated 33 team assists. Now the series shifts to Salt Lake where the Jazz have actually struggled during the playoffs.
George Hill’s potential absence
George Hill is questionable once again with a toe injury. If he doesn’t play again, the Jazz may find themselves in deep trouble.
Although Shelvin Mack filled in adequately on the offensive end in Game 2, Hill’s defense and veteran presence was sorely needed.
Warriors will look to get out to a fast start
If the Warriors are aiming for a sweep, expect them to get out to a fast start to put the crowd away early. They did that in Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers last series, playing a near perfect first quarter. In the first two games, the Warriors proved to be too much for the Jazz to handle, and they hope to continue the same destruction on the road.
Rudy Gobert needs to be more effective
It’s safe to say that the Warriors have owned the pace the first two games, as Utah’s defense has been unable to take control. Their defense anchor Rudy Gobert has yet to make a huge impact on the game, which is the main reason behind Golden State’s easy success.
Gobert hasn’t been blocking shots or altering them at a high rate, which is uncharacteristic. Although he notched 16 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2, he only had one block and got fouled out.
The Jazz need Gobert to patrol the paint like we have been accustomed to seeing him do throughout the season. Once he could do that, maybe Utah will be able to slow the game down and own the pace.
So far, it’s been all Gordon Hayward for Utah, scoring 33 points, grabbing five boards, and dishing out four assists last game.
The Jazz need veterans to step up
After a magnificent series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Joe Johnson has been awfully quiet against the Warriors. So far in this series, he’s totaled 20 points and had only eight in Game 2.
Boris Diaw notched only seven in 12 minutes on Wednesday, as both veterans have been ineffective. With Hill injured, these two must contribute more, like they were last series, for the Jazz to have a fighting chance.
Will the Jazz be able to get on the board at home where they have lost two of three games or will the Warriors take a commanding 3-0 lead? Find out tonight at 8:30 pm Eastern Time on ABC.
