The Oklahoma City Thunder came into Game 1 locked in and focused on trying to stop the Utah Jazz. The Thunder have a couple of mismatches at multiple positions on paper and proved that they had what it takes to get the job done on both ends. OKC’s success started off slow as the Utah Jazz came out looking like the more experienced team. Donovan Mitchell came out playing like he was a 10-year veteran playing in his 100th playoff game early scoring at will. That Utah energy and offensive efficiency died down quickly once OKC’s Big 3 settled in. Paul George was engaged on both ends of the floor and was able to do anything he wanted tonight against the Jazz. Paul George warned the OKC media about “Playoff P” and we were able to see exactly what he was talking about tonight. PG-13 had the 3 point shot going tonight as he finished 8-11 from behind the arch and was able to create space off his lethal crossover. When George has the crossover going like he did tonight no defender can stay in front of him. Joe Ingles tried to challenge Paul George on the defensive end and we found out early that he couldn’t handle PG-13 at all. The Thunder as a whole played amazing defense and were able to use their steals and blocks to start the transition game. This was one of the Thunders best games on the defensive end and they were able to use their size and experience to their advantage.
Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony complimented Paul George’s breakout game tonight with a combined 44 points. Russell Westbrook was able to dominate Ricky Rubio on both ends of the floor at ease. When Westbrook is coming at you full force all night it drains you and you can tell that’s what happened with Rubio. The Thunder forced someone else besides Donovan Mitchell to beat them tonight and it didn’t happen. Ricky Rubio shot 5-18 from the field on the night and wasn’t able to get any offense going at all. Westbrook has been locking in on defense since the Houston game last week and he’s taking the defensive end personal. Carmelo Anthony has been able to get his offense going but it’s his defense that has been super impressive in this win streak OKC’s on right now. Melo has been rebounding and defending at a high level and when the Big 3’s clicking like this no one should be able to stop them.
Donovan Mitchell was the bright spot for Utah tonight but he was hurt in the process. He went to the locker room to have his pinky toe examed and he was able to come back but was in obvious pain. Mitchell finished the game with 27 points and was trying to put the Jazz on his back like he’s done all season but they came up short. Mitchell is a special rookie and he was able to get some good looks on Corey Brewer but he needs someone else to help out and take some of the load off. Rudy Gobert was having a decent game but was in a lot of foul trouble early.
Paul George let it be known that he’s a different beast in the playoffs and if he continues this throughout the postseason it could be scary for the NBA. PG-13 finished with 36 points on the night and was playing like he was on fire from NBA Jam. In Game 2 the Thunder will need to keep playing through Paul George and continue to try and let someone else besides Donovan Mitchell try to beat them again.
Photo Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
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