WC | Rd. 1| (1) Jazz vs (8) Grizzlies [Jazz win 4-1]

[Jedi32]

I think the grizz showed their youthful inexperience and let up a little because they got game 1. I believe if they had more focus they could be up 2-0 right now. Still believe they have a chance to win the series.

[Bruin]

Sometimes, the total amount of FTs may be a hint wherter the game was bad officiated or not. In this case, even if Memphis shot 7FT more, that doesnt neccesary mean that it was ok. Having JV and Brooks out of the game in the 1st Q was huge.

Someone said we have the worst bench in the nba. Well, it was easy to say if you have just watched these 2 PO games, however, we have the 6th best bench in scoring, 2nd best in Assists, 3rd best in total rebounds... I mean, that must mean something. They will eventually step up.

We have had a bad game, Jazz have had their best game ever in scoring in a PO game. Im sure we will win at least one game in memphis.

Total free throws are always a bad indicator of the quality of the refereeing in my opinion. Like you said, taking JV and Dillon out of the game early was huge and it seemed everytime the Grizz were on a run, the refs killed it with piling on foul trouble

Both JV and Brooks were limited to under 30 minutes cause of the foul trouble while none of the Jazz players really had their minutes limited by fouls (Gobert 36, Conley 37, Royce 34, Bojan 30)

Hoping to see a more evenly refereed game 3

[Catchall]

Havent watched the series but its interesting how playoffs teams seem to easily score on the Jazz. Morant with almost 50 repeating what Murray did last season.

Makes me question how good Gobert really is as a defender.

Maybe you, or someone else can explain something to me: why is a 7 foot center, an actual center- not just someone playing as a center- expected to spend the game as the primary defender of a guard?

In my limited 25 years of basketball I've watched some famtastic gaurds and some fantastic defensive bigs, but I don't believe I've ever seen a center that was supposed to be gaurding a gaurd the whole time. Help defense, sure. But primary responsibility? Never.

Why is Gobert expected to be gaurding gaurds instead of the paint where he excels at? If he's gaurding gaurds, who is gairding the other teams bigs and rebounding? Bogey? Conley? Royce? Thats a disaster waiting to happen.


Could it be, that the reason gaurds go off on the Jazz is because our gaurds can't defend a traffic cone most nights? We have below average perimeter defenders. But I'm sure its because we aren't utilizing Gobert correctly. He should be gaurding gaurds, not the paint if I have that right according to the GB.

If those guards were scoring a wast number of threes i could understand that Gobert cant affect that but most of the points scored were near the paint and Gobert couldnt do squat about it. He also cant stop or even slow down top players at his position from scoring theirs. So he cant defend top centers, cant erase mistakes of guards and cant survive stretch bigs. Whats the point of him?
Im poking the hive because he is lauded as this mythical defensive force that makes your defense better by just being there. Obviously he is not. He is a very limited player that as all other defenders relies on team defense being good.

Thats my point.

Jazz were getting just about whatever they wanted on the offensive end. They didn't believe the Grizzlies could keep up with them in a scoring contest. The Jazz were up 20 points at half time, and their defense was patchy after that. Jazz still won the game by double digits and didn't really feel threatened in the 4th quarter.

A better example of Rudy's defense was in Game 1, where the Grizzlies went 6 minutes without scoring a single point during the 2nd quarter.

I will say though that when Valanciunas is in the game it forces Rudy to stay close to him and gives him less freedom to defend multiple actions. So Ja can operate if he stays about 10 feet away from Rudy and JV in that deep mid-range area.

[loserX]

Sometimes, the total amount of FTs may be a hint wherter the game was bad officiated or not. In this case, even if Memphis shot 7FT more, that doesnt neccesary mean that it was ok. Having JV and Brooks out of the game in the 1st Q was huge.

Someone said we have the worst bench in the nba. Well, it was easy to say if you have just watched these 2 PO games, however, we have the 6th best bench in scoring, 2nd best in Assists, 3rd best in total rebounds... I mean, that must mean something. They will eventually step up.

We have had a bad game, Jazz have had their best game ever in scoring in a PO game. Im sure we will win at least one game in memphis.

Total free throws are always a bad indicator of the quality of the refereeing in my opinion.

I agree with this. Fouls are not cookies that are supposed to be evenly shared at the end of games, and it doesn't in any way indicate bad refereeing if they're not.

Like you said, taking JV and Dillon out of the game early was huge and it seemed everytime the Grizz were on a run, the refs killed it with piling on foul trouble.

Both JV and Brooks were limited to under 30 minutes cause of the foul trouble while none of the Jazz players really had their minutes limited by fouls (Gobert 36, Conley 37, Royce 34, Bojan 30)

But this is not an indication of bad refereeing either. Just like total fouls, this is still taking an end-of-game result and working backwards to get a story, instead of starting with what actually happened.

[Catchall]

Ja Morant's dad...

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[jwise44]

I didn’t stay up to watch either game cause I work early...why is Clarke not playing at all?

[Jazz Dog]

Total free throws are always a bad indicator of the quality of the refereeing in my opinion. Like you said, taking JV and Dillon out of the game early was huge and it seemed everytime the Grizz were on a run, the refs killed it with piling on foul trouble

Both JV and Brooks were limited to under 30 minutes cause of the foul trouble while none of the Jazz players really had their minutes limited by fouls (Gobert 36, Conley 37, Royce 34, Bojan 30)

Hoping to see a more evenly refereed game 3

Didn't Rudy play only 25 minutes in game one. I checked and I didn't see your post about how the refs killed any Jazz momentum. I have been watching the NBA for to many years. In a seven games series those issues seem to even out.

[KqWIN]

At some point the Jazz will have to address their 4 traffic cone + Gobert defense. Everyone knows that the playoffs will exploit your weaknesses more than regular season. The weakness the Jazz have is not Gobert but the defensive scheme/talent that has 4 players who don't play defense. Gobert can do it all in the RS but the Jazz need to be more versatile down the road. Can't rely on him to defend everything himself.

It probably won't cost them this series (Jazz were just fine in game 1 as long as Gobert was out there), but I definitely have concerns on that end. It's an interesting matchup where the Jazz are giving up shots the Grizzlies are happy to take. The percentages would look to favor the Jazz, but it doesn't matter if Ja and Brooks continue to comfortable take and make these shots.

Val's presence is huge for MEM's offense even when he's not scoring. He's making it hard for Gobert to do his typical 1v2 in drop because of the pressure he's putting on the rim and on the glass. Even if Gobert contests Ja's floater and makes him miss he's giving up the free rebound to Val. Right now Gobert is keeping everything in front of him, but Ja is too good and sinking that floater. The Jazz on ball perimeter defenders aren't getting back into the play or having much of an impact at all.

If the Jazz had just one athletic combo forward sized player who could rotate and help rebound it would go a long way. They could have Gobert step up and scramble a bit more, but the Jazz don't have that guy and don't scheme that way so it's all Gobert vs Ja+Val in the paint. A lot of people see the Jazz as a strong paint defensive team because of Gobert's presence, but we've seen at times that leaving Gobert at the rim alone can be too much against very strong paint attacks. This isn't a Bucks type defense where they sell out to protect the paint.

Game one Gobert did fine, not fine when Favors was in. Game two Ja was magical and I also think the Jazz let their guard down consistently after getting to a big lead. First half was great, then the grizz scored on 15 straight possessions before Gobert more or less ended the game early in the 4th with some amazing two way play before MEM made another mini run to make it semi competitive. The Jazz just couldn't stop scoring themselves it didn't matter.

I'd give it another game to see if Ja and Brooks can keep hitting their floaters and mid range before I'm too concerned. Like I said, the percentages would suggest that they cool off but there's no time to wait. They both look extremely confident in getting to their spots and making those shots. At the very least, I would like to test their percentages from deep a little more. The Grizzlies have done their homework. They know what shots the Jazz like to concede and are performing. Ja is such a talent.

[Catchall]

At some point the Jazz will have to address their 4 traffic cone + Gobert defense. Everyone knows that the playoffs will exploit your weaknesses more than regular season. The weakness the Jazz have is not Gobert but the defensive scheme/talent that has 4 players who don't play defense. Gobert can do it all in the RS but the Jazz need to be more versatile down the road. Can't rely on him to defend everything himself.

It probably won't cost them this series (Jazz were just fine in game 1 as long as Gobert was out there), but I definitely have concerns on that end. It's an interesting matchup where the Jazz are giving up shots the Grizzlies are happy to take. The percentages would look to favor the Jazz, but it doesn't matter if Ja and Brooks continue to comfortable take and make these shots.

Val's presence is huge for MEM's offense even when he's not scoring. He's making it hard for Gobert to do his typical 1v2 in drop because of the pressure he's putting on the rim and on the glass. Even if Gobert contests Ja's floater and makes him miss he's giving up the free rebound to Val. Right now Gobert is keeping everything in front of him, but Ja is too good and sinking that floater. The Jazz on ball perimeter defenders aren't getting back into the play or having much of an impact at all.

If the Jazz had just one athletic combo forward sized player who could rotate and help rebound it would go a long way. They could have Gobert step up and scramble a bit more, but the Jazz don't have that guy and don't scheme that way so it's all Gobert vs Ja+Val in the paint. A lot of people see the Jazz as a strong paint defensive team because of Gobert's presence, but we've seen at times that leaving Gobert at the rim alone can be too much against very strong paint attacks. This isn't a Bucks type defense where they sell out to protect the paint.

Game one Gobert did fine, not fine when Favors was in. Game two Ja was magical and I also think the Jazz let their guard down consistently after getting to a big lead. First half was great, then the grizz scored on 15 straight possessions before Gobert more or less ended the game early in the 4th with some amazing two way play before MEM made another mini run to make it semi competitive. The Jazz just couldn't stop scoring themselves it didn't matter.

I'd give it another game to see if Ja and Brooks can keep hitting their floaters and mid range before I'm too concerned. Like I said, the percentages would suggest that they cool off but there's no time to wait. They both look extremely confident in getting to their spots and making those shots. At the very least, I would like to test their percentages from deep a little more. The Grizzlies have done their homework. They know what shots the Jazz like to concede and are performing. Ja is such a talent.

The data from the regular season indicates that it's better to stay home on the Grizzlies' shooters, stay attached to Valanciunas down low, and let Ja have his mid-range floaters. He's hitting an unusually high percentage of them, but the expectation is that this will normalize at some point. By contrast it's better for the Jazz to have its full complement of shooters on the offensive end. If the Jazz are making an average number of 3pt shots, they have a real advantage in the series. The real question is how Ja ended up shooting 20 free-throws. That's absurd, and the Jazz need to clean that up.

The exception to this defensive strategy would be to leave Jaren Jackson Jr. on the perimeter and bring his defender back to help out in or near the paint. Force JJJ to hit a 3ball or make a play off the dribble. Then the Grizzlies will probably counter by putting in Bane for JJJ, and we're back to where we started, though Bane will have to guard someone like Bojan.

[BudTugly]

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Clown take. Especially when you consider that Memphis shot 7 more FT’s than Utah and Ja shot 20 by himself. But I’d expect nothing less from this idiot masquerading as an NBA analyst.

King Tut beard was the pinnacle of his career

[bobobolas10]

I didn’t stay up to watch either game cause I work early...why is Clarke not playing at all?

I dont know either. Clarke started to take bad decisitions in some games and Tillman took advantage with good games, ever since, looks like the Rookie is over Clarke in the rotation.

For some reason, I think Clarke could help taking care of Gobert. JJJ cant find his rhythm and Tillman is too small for Gobert. I hope Jenkins gives him a chance in G3.

[bobobolas10]

The data from the regular season indicates that it's better to stay home on the Grizzlies' shooters, stay attached to Valanciunas down low, and let Ja have his mid-range floaters. He's hitting an unusually high percentage of them, but the expectation is that this will normalize at some point. By contrast it's better for the Jazz to have its full complement of shooters on the offensive end. If the Jazz are making an average number of 3pt shots, they have a real advantage in the series. The real question is how Ja ended up shooting 20 free-throws. That's absurd, and the Jazz need to clean that up.

The exception to this defensive strategy would be to leave Jaren Jackson Jr. on the perimeter and bring his defender back to help out in or near the paint. Force JJJ to hit a 3ball or make a play off the dribble. Then the Grizzlies will probably counter by putting in Bane for JJJ, and we're back to where we started, though Bane will have to guard someone like Bojan.

On the paper, it looks easy to stop the grizzlies. However, if you let the shooters shoot and they start to sink threes, what are you gonna do? Once Melton, JJJ, Allen or Bane start making threes, boosting their confidence,.... that would be a problem for Utah.

Those 20 FT from JA. Well, he attacks the basket over and over despite being blocked or bullied (by Niang for example), he is too quick for Conley or any other defender in the Jazz roster. If he continues to play with that energy, I believe he will average that many FT attemps. (by the way, not all FT came from attacking the rim, some were midcourt fouls in bonus)

To be honest, this season ive only watched the Jazz games against the grizzlies but, they make you think by their words and the jazzfans in the forum, that it is common to score 141 points, 20 three pointers on a .500 %. If that happens the next 3 games: congratulations, you will advance. However, this is the playoffs, it doesnt matter anymore that you are #1 seed. They will be adjustments and the grizz roster is very motivated.

[jefe]

I didn’t stay up to watch either game cause I work early...why is Clarke not playing at all?

Without about 8 games or so left in the regular season, Jenkins really shortened the rotation for the Grizz. At the time, Clarke had not been playing very well. Consequently, Clarke was the odd man out of the shortened rotation. The same thing happened with Justice Winslow, although he never really got up to speed to begin with.

[Hans1984]

You would think in a playoff game they would play some defense but I guess not.

[Dacost]

I'm loving this series so far that block by Rudy has to be the best highlight I have ever seen.

1.what a freaking block wow!
2.Having guts to even try that is unreal to me JA got own but the respect lvl when up.

[AingesBurner]

At some point the Jazz will have to address their 4 traffic cone + Gobert defense. Everyone knows that the playoffs will exploit your weaknesses more than regular season. The weakness the Jazz have is not Gobert but the defensive scheme/talent that has 4 players who don't play defense. Gobert can do it all in the RS but the Jazz need to be more versatile down the road. Can't rely on him to defend everything himself.

It probably won't cost them this series (Jazz were just fine in game 1 as long as Gobert was out there), but I definitely have concerns on that end. It's an interesting matchup where the Jazz are giving up shots the Grizzlies are happy to take. The percentages would look to favor the Jazz, but it doesn't matter if Ja and Brooks continue to comfortable take and make these shots.

Val's presence is huge for MEM's offense even when he's not scoring. He's making it hard for Gobert to do his typical 1v2 in drop because of the pressure he's putting on the rim and on the glass. Even if Gobert contests Ja's floater and makes him miss he's giving up the free rebound to Val. Right now Gobert is keeping everything in front of him, but Ja is too good and sinking that floater. The Jazz on ball perimeter defenders aren't getting back into the play or having much of an impact at all.

If the Jazz had just one athletic combo forward sized player who could rotate and help rebound it would go a long way. They could have Gobert step up and scramble a bit more, but the Jazz don't have that guy and don't scheme that way so it's all Gobert vs Ja+Val in the paint. A lot of people see the Jazz as a strong paint defensive team because of Gobert's presence, but we've seen at times that leaving Gobert at the rim alone can be too much against very strong paint attacks. This isn't a Bucks type defense where they sell out to protect the paint.

Game one Gobert did fine, not fine when Favors was in. Game two Ja was magical and I also think the Jazz let their guard down consistently after getting to a big lead. First half was great, then the grizz scored on 15 straight possessions before Gobert more or less ended the game early in the 4th with some amazing two way play before MEM made another mini run to make it semi competitive. The Jazz just couldn't stop scoring themselves it didn't matter.

I'd give it another game to see if Ja and Brooks can keep hitting their floaters and mid range before I'm too concerned. Like I said, the percentages would suggest that they cool off but there's no time to wait. They both look extremely confident in getting to their spots and making those shots. At the very least, I would like to test their percentages from deep a little more. The Grizzlies have done their homework. They know what shots the Jazz like to concede and are performing. Ja is such a talent.

Man, I wonder who was pushing for an athletic wing on the Jazz forum and half the Jazz board told us to sit down and color...

[AingesBurner]

I think that the Grizz get tired, you cant play Ja and Brooks 40 minutes per game every game.

[Bruin]

I think that the Grizz get tired, you cant play Ja and Brooks 40 minutes per game every game.

Well thanks to foul trouble Brooks only played 28 minutes in Game 2 anyways.

But they’re both young players so playing 40 minutes shouldn’t really be that much of an issue

[AingesBurner]

I think that the Grizz get tired, you cant play Ja and Brooks 40 minutes per game every game.

Well thanks to foul trouble Brooks only played 28 minutes in Game 2 anyways.

But they’re both young players so playing 40 minutes shouldn’t really be that much of an issue

Ehhh yes they are young but inexperienced in the playoffs, mental exhaustion also could play a factor.

[babyjax13]

At some point the Jazz will have to address their 4 traffic cone + Gobert defense. Everyone knows that the playoffs will exploit your weaknesses more than regular season. The weakness the Jazz have is not Gobert but the defensive scheme/talent that has 4 players who don't play defense. Gobert can do it all in the RS but the Jazz need to be more versatile down the road. Can't rely on him to defend everything himself.

It probably won't cost them this series (Jazz were just fine in game 1 as long as Gobert was out there), but I definitely have concerns on that end. It's an interesting matchup where the Jazz are giving up shots the Grizzlies are happy to take. The percentages would look to favor the Jazz, but it doesn't matter if Ja and Brooks continue to comfortable take and make these shots.

Val's presence is huge for MEM's offense even when he's not scoring. He's making it hard for Gobert to do his typical 1v2 in drop because of the pressure he's putting on the rim and on the glass. Even if Gobert contests Ja's floater and makes him miss he's giving up the free rebound to Val. Right now Gobert is keeping everything in front of him, but Ja is too good and sinking that floater. The Jazz on ball perimeter defenders aren't getting back into the play or having much of an impact at all.

If the Jazz had just one athletic combo forward sized player who could rotate and help rebound it would go a long way. They could have Gobert step up and scramble a bit more, but the Jazz don't have that guy and don't scheme that way so it's all Gobert vs Ja+Val in the paint. A lot of people see the Jazz as a strong paint defensive team because of Gobert's presence, but we've seen at times that leaving Gobert at the rim alone can be too much against very strong paint attacks. This isn't a Bucks type defense where they sell out to protect the paint.

Game one Gobert did fine, not fine when Favors was in. Game two Ja was magical and I also think the Jazz let their guard down consistently after getting to a big lead. First half was great, then the grizz scored on 15 straight possessions before Gobert more or less ended the game early in the 4th with some amazing two way play before MEM made another mini run to make it semi competitive. The Jazz just couldn't stop scoring themselves it didn't matter.

I'd give it another game to see if Ja and Brooks can keep hitting their floaters and mid range before I'm too concerned. Like I said, the percentages would suggest that they cool off but there's no time to wait. They both look extremely confident in getting to their spots and making those shots. At the very least, I would like to test their percentages from deep a little more. The Grizzlies have done their homework. They know what shots the Jazz like to concede and are performing. Ja is such a talent.

Man, I wonder who was pushing for an athletic wing on the Jazz forum and half the Jazz board told us to sit down and color...

I don't remember anyone objecting to the idea that we needed another athletic wing defender. I think the debate was if we needed that, or a better defender at power forward more, considering that our rotation there is Bojan and Niang.