You might've heard this before in this year's NBA playoffs: The Warriors are going for the sweep. Well, it's happening again. The Warriors are looking to eliminate the Jazz from the playoffs in game four Monday night. The Warriors have had their way with the Jazz, winning their first three games by double-digits. The Jazz are trying to survive a Warriors team that is beginning to peak in the playoffs. They have been held in check on offense, as the Warriors defense has been magnificent. The Jazz are facing impossible odds in Game 4, but if Gordon Hayward can step up, they might have a chance to win at least one game.
Three-headed monster
The Jazz have fallen victim to the three-headed monster the Warriors have on offense the entire series. Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson have given the Jazz fits defensively. In Game 3 the Jazz shut down Curry and Thompson, allowing them to shoot 7-29 from the field. They stopped two, but they couldn't stop the third one, as Durant exploded for 38 points. The Warriors offense can beat you in multiple ways and you can't stop two of their top three scorers on a consistent basis. The Jazz defense has yet to find an answer, and they need to do something tonight or risk going home.
Durant has been battling injury throughout these playoffs but it looks like he is finally back to 100 percent.
Durant has been hitting his stride and his recent 38 point performance just made it official. He hasn't been called upon to carry the scoring load in this playoffs yet, but he can make the Warriors' offense even more dangerous.
Defense wins
The Warriors' defense has given the Jazz fits, specifically Gordon Hayward. He has been held under 40 percent shooting in two of the three games this series.
He needs to have a big game in order to give the Jazz a chance of winning. Joe Johnson has also been held in check against the Warriors. Iso Joe is averaging 9 PPG this series, which is much less than his previous series against the Clippers. Johnson hasn't been able to get a shot against the Warriors, and the Jazz thrive off of his ability to make shots with heavy defense on him.
The Warriors' defense has been great up to this point, and they are hoping to put a bow on it in Game 4.
The Jazz are in a situation where they must win to keep their season alive. The Warriors are flying high and ready to move on to the Western Conference Finals. This game might end up being a blowout, but you can still catch the game at 9 p.m. EST on TNT.
