With the series tied the OKC Thunder head to one of the most difficult opponent arenas looking to regain control.
As the OKC Thunder hit the road they do so knowing the Jazz have one of the most difficult home courts to win on the NBA. Given the thin air in Utah it’s somewhat surprising their home record boasts just one extra victory than the Thunder experienced.
Still, as the Bucks, Wizards and Pacers all demonstrated last night home cooking is an advantage for teams – especially young squads.
Fan’s court side view:
For all fans, being able to experience a playoff game is a treat. TI’s own Heather Koontz takes you with her as she attends Game 2 and offers up her views and thoughts from the experience.
"The television and radio do not accurately capture the sheer volume of noise the arena houses. Seriously, it’s enough to rattle your seat. When a bad call is made (of which there were PLENTY at this game… looking at you, Ref #59), boos culminate and fill the air like a thick fog. When a dunk, steal, or three-pointer is made, the place absolutely erupts."
Paul George said his hip is improving but only classified it as “alright,” and said it affects him more offensively than defensively: pic.twitter.com/jaZkJk9JWe
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 20, 2018
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Make no mistake the OKC Thunder are in tough versus the young squad and will need to capture at minimum a split on the road. Obviously if the Thunder can capture the win in Game 3 it puts additional pressure on the Jazz. Wil Harrington serves up the Game 3 preview with insight on what the OKC Thunder need to do in order to take a 2-1 series lead.
"When one aggressive Westbrook drive results in a turnover, it always seems that another turnover is not far behind. Pushing the pace when possible is a great tool, but a little more control is necessary to stop the bleeding when the Jazz go on a run.As we alluded to earlier, shots were not falling in the fourth quarter of game 2. The OK3 kept firing, going a combined 0 for 15 from the field. Westbrook and Paul George are two of the most athletic players in the series. They need to attack the basket and get to the line when shots are not falling."
The Fashion Icon:
On a lighter note the fashion stylings of Russell Westbrook is the crux of ESPN’s article. All 82 outfits from this season are showcased. Incidentally, Westbrook is one of the players nominated for best NBA fashion once again this year.
Get amped for Game 3:
Regardless of where the teams are playing the bottom line is OKC needs to make some adjustments. Notably the Thunder have to find a way to slow down rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell. Moreover, the Thunder big three need to be better particularly in the closing frame and OKC must regain the rebounding edge.
The latter being something OKC held the advantage in versus most squads all season. Of all the keys to winning rebounding feels the most imperative since it allows the Thunder to control pace via quick outlets and stops the Jazz from gaining second chance scoring opportunities.
Next: Round 1 complete series hub article compilation
That wraps up in the news for Saturday April 21. Enjoy your weekend, and for a one stop shop of all round 1 series articles click the above link. Follow Thunderous Intentions during the game and check back post game for player grades.