Three takeaways after OKC Thunder pound the Utah Jazz 122-113
The OKC Thunder send the Utah Jazz home with their tail between their legs, pounding the men from Salt Lake City 122-113 at Chesapeake Arena.
Logging off the back of 16 points in the third quarter by star Paul George, the OKC Thunder sent Utah back to Salt Lake City with a 122-113 loss. Aside from a small run by the Jazz’s second unit in the fourth quarter, OKC were in control of the contest from start to finish.
Right from the outset, Oklahoma City sent waves of defenders at Utah star Donovan Mitchell, challenging the 22 year-old guard to score through different guys. Terrance Ferguson did a tremendous job in the opening stanza holding Mitchell scoreless before a half-court heave gave him his first bucket. Behind strong defensive play, Oklahoma City ended the first quarter with a 30-22 lead.
The second quarter wasn’t so easy.
Mitchell scored 14 of his 19 points in the second quarter going 4-5 from the field, 2-2 from three and 4-4 from the line. Despite the 22 year-old catching fire, OKC held the Jazz to 40 percent shooting in quarter and forced six turnovers. Dennis Schroder was spectacular in the second, posting seven points, two rebounds and two assists in eight minutes of action. The Thunder ended the half with a 57-46 advantage.
OKC have built a reputation on being the best third quarter team in the league and tonight was no exception. Lead by PG13’s 3-point barrage, the Thunder laid 42 points on a hapless Utah defense. Steven Adams completely dominated Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert inside scoring 11 points on 4-5 shooting. The Jazz managed 29 points in the third but sent OKC to the line 13 times. The Thunder built a huge 24-point advantage heading into the fourth leading 99-75.
Billy Donovan opted to rest PG13 and Adams in the fourth despite Utah’s reserves making a small run to make it interesting. Russll Westbrook checked back in with six minutes remaining to steady the ship and the rest was history.
With a big week ahead, this was the best start Oklahoma City could ask for. Here are three takeaways from the game.