Round 1, Game 2: Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies

[Inigo Montoya]

Well, the first game didn't go as planned. Already my GTS prediction for the series is worthless (much respect to the Grizzlies). I wonder if Mitchell will be cleared to play for this game.

[AingesBurner]

Well, the first game didn't go as planned. Already my GTS prediction for the series is worthless (much respect to the Grizzlies). I wonder if Mitchell will be cleared to play for this game.

I think if they don’t play him, Donny will be really unhappy, and the Rudy-Donny spat will seem like child’s play.

[FJS]

I always have thought this is a 4-2 Jazz. Not because Grizz are a pretty good team (They are building a good one, but still they aren't) but for our weak trust in ourselves.
With Donovan I think we'll change, and not due to him taking care, but generating opportunities for others and taking pressure from them.

[AingesBurner]

We need Mitchell to spread the offense! The Gobert pick and roll does not work without him. Shooters cannot space without him.

[Crunch 99]

ESPN is reporting that DM is angry at being held out of game one. The story goes on to suggest that our new part owner, Hall of Famer Dwayne Wade, could get involved to smooth out tensions and provide some additional, useful perspective concerning coming back from an ankle injury.

If DM felt he could go yesterday, maybe everyone will get to a point where they feel DM is ready to go by the time Wednesday's game two rolls around. Go Jazz!

Donovan Mitchell angry at Utah Jazz for late call to sit him for Game 1, sources say.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31503670/donovan-mitchell-angry-utah-jazz-late-call-sit-game-1-sources-say

[AingesBurner]

ESPN is reporting that DM is angry at being held out of game one. The story goes on to suggest that our new part owner, Hall of Famer Dwayne Wade, could get involved, smooth tensions and provide some additional, useful perspective concerning coming back from an ankle injury.

If DM felt he could go yesterday, maybe everyone will get to a point where they feel DM is ready to go by the time Wednesday's game two rolls around. Go Jazz!

Donovan Mitchell angry at Utah Jazz for late call to sit him for Game 1, sources say.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31503670/donovan-mitchell-angry-utah-jazz-late-call-sit-game-1-sources-say

The comments on Twitter are entertaining. A Celtics fan said that they would send Kemba, and garbage for Donny thinking that’s fair never change Celtics fans.

[Crunch 99]

This time for sure? Jazz announce Donovan Mitchell will be available for Game 2
https://www.ksl.com/article/50172713/this-time-for-sure-jazz-announce-donovan-mitchell-will-be-available-for-game-2

[MTJazzv3]

The General Board has some hilarious takes on the Game 1 loss and the role of no Mitchell on that. Seriously, dropping Game 1 by 3 points is no big deal given the azz play by a bunch of guys. Without Mitchell the Jazz can beat the Grizz in 7. Great news that DM is back at least for Game 2. It would be nice to go 5-1 and get more rest. Will be interesting to see what DM's minutes restrictions are but I hope they are conservative. Thank the gods we have longtime Mitchell mentor DWADE in the corner. That guy has massive experience with injuries during the playoffs - and a long productive career. Bringing Wade into the organization is likely, in the moment, already starting to pay dividends with Mitchell's/team development. (You know he's been talking with DM and the organization about this latest kerfuffle).

[MTJazzv3]

The General Board has some hilarious takes on the Game 1 loss and the role of no Mitchell on that. Seriously, dropping Game 1 by 3 points is no big deal given the azz play by a bunch of guys. Without Mitchell the Jazz can beat the Grizz in 7. Great news that DM is back at least for Game 2. It would be nice to go 4-1 and get him even more rest. Will be interesting to see what DM's minutes restrictions are but I hope they are conservative. Thank the gods we have longtime Mitchell mentor DWADE in the corner. That guy has massive experience with injuries during the playoffs - and a long productive career. Bringing Wade into the organization is likely, in the moment, already starting to pay dividends with Mitchell's/team development. (You know he's been talking with DM and the organization about this latest kerfuffle).

[@ndrew]

I hope Bogey can give his best tomorrow. I believe in him, he truly can evolve and create some damage for Memphis in open space

[@ndrew]

And we need to rebound ball better. It’s really hard to Rudy alone, so everyone needs to be involved.

[Catchall]

I really don't think the Jazz can shoot worse than they did.
I hope that Rudy and Mike don't get into foul trouble like they did.
I think the Jazz will benefit from having another couple of days/practices to prep for Memphis.
Oh, and adding Donovan and his 30+ points will be a big shot in the arm.

[MTJazzv3]

How much rust people expecting to see on Mitchell? Minutes restrictions? The Jazz need a statement game for these pesky Grizzlies. Having another scorer on the floor is also going to thin their defense.

[AingesBurner]

How much rust people expecting to see on Mitchell? Minutes restrictions? The Jazz need a statement game for these pesky Grizzlies. Having another scorer on the floor is also going to thin their defense.

He will be rusty but I expect his gravity to spread the offense out.

[zero24gravity]

I suspect the extra day between game 1 & game 2 had something to do with holding Mitchell out of game 1. They probably figured they could win and give Donovan 3 more days "just in case". Definitely won't be worth it if Donovan stews on it, but my thought is that everything will be fine once they win the series (in 5 or 6 games).

As for game 2... The team needs so show a lot more focus. If not for the 8 TO's in the first quarter, then despite their shooting woes, they likely burry the Grizz in game 1, and never look back, taking the hearts out of Memphis. Instead, they let a young & hard-playing team stick around (and take it to the Jazz) & now their confidence is at an all time high. First quarter needs to be clean & a clear statement about who the Grizzlies are dealing with. If not, it'll likely be another war, and I don't love the Jazz when they get into overly physical games. They are more a finesse team.

[MTJazzv3]

I suspect the extra day between game 1 & game 2 had something to do with holding Mitchell out of game 1. They probably figured they could win and give Donovan 3 more days "just in case". Definitely won't be worth it if Donovan stews on it, but my thought is that everything will be fine once they win the series (in 5 or 6 games).

As for game 2... The team needs so show a lot more focus. If not for the 8 TO's in the first quarter, then despite their shooting woes, they likely burry the Grizz in game 1, and never look back, taking the hearts out of Memphis. Instead, they let a young & hard-playing team stick around (and take it to the Jazz) & now their confidence is at an all time high. First quarter needs to be clean & a clear statement about who the Grizzlies are dealing with. If not, it'll likely be another war, and I don't love the Jazz when they get into overly physical games. They are more a finesse team.

Totally agree with that assessment. But its the playoffs and the physical play is on. Crowder would be a perfect fit right now. I don't think any of us fans know how the Jazz will fare in the fire based on the last many years of playoff washouts but I think this team's construction is capable of hunting deep despite the finesse oriented play to-date.

[ForeverRDjazz]

When Japan bombed Pearl harbor, I remember hearing someone say they just woke a sleeping giant. I have a feeling the Grizz woke a sleeping giant and the rust will be gone and the fire will get real HOT! Jazz by 20!

[zero24gravity]

I suspect the extra day between game 1 & game 2 had something to do with holding Mitchell out of game 1. They probably figured they could win and give Donovan 3 more days "just in case". Definitely won't be worth it if Donovan stews on it, but my thought is that everything will be fine once they win the series (in 5 or 6 games).

As for game 2... The team needs so show a lot more focus. If not for the 8 TO's in the first quarter, then despite their shooting woes, they likely burry the Grizz in game 1, and never look back, taking the hearts out of Memphis. Instead, they let a young & hard-playing team stick around (and take it to the Jazz) & now their confidence is at an all time high. First quarter needs to be clean & a clear statement about who the Grizzlies are dealing with. If not, it'll likely be another war, and I don't love the Jazz when they get into overly physical games. They are more a finesse team.

Totally agree with that assessment. But its the playoffs and the physical play is on. Crowder would be a perfect fit right now. I don't think any of us fans know how the Jazz will fare in the fire based on the last many years of playoff washouts but I think this team's construction is capable of hunting deep despite the finesse oriented play to-date.

Also hope Donovan doesn't come out trying too hard. Needs to stay within the system. He's a very smart payer, so I think he'll be ok. ... But he's also a very passionate player, and could get caught up in the "benching". I'm SO looking forward to tonight's game.

[ducler]

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[Soul Patch]

Ball don’t lie!