OKC Thunder versus Jazz: 3 keys focus on growth and development

OKC Thunder key no. 1: focus on the trio of Gobert, Bogdanovic, and Clarkson:

As for the Jazz, it’s a bit concerning that Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley have missed 14 and nine games respectively to finish the season. It doesn’t make sense the Jazz would keep them out for rest at this stage because they’ll need to get back in game shape and find their rhythm upon their return and doing that during a playoff series isn’t optimal.

Thinking back, if you recall the 2006-07 season the Dallas Mavericks had the best record (67-15) in the NBA. Avery Johnson elected to rest a good portion of their core down the stretch and it cost them as they were ousted in the first round by the Warriors. Again, it’s not likely Quin Snyder is ‘resting’ Conley and Mitchell but if they are even close to 100 percent they should get them some run to shake off that rust.

OKC Thunder key no. 2: focus on the trio of Gobert, Bogdanovic, and Clarkson:

Even without Conley and Mitchell, the Jazz possesses ample depth and talent. Diving into the 14 games Mitchell has missed offers insight into how others have feasted:

• Rudy Gobert (played in 13 of the 14 games) averaging a double-double of 13.8 points, 12.8 rebounds plus an assist, and two blocks.
• Bojan Bogdanovic: 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 41.3 percent from deep on 7.4 attempts.
• Jordan Clarkson:  21.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 09 steals while shooting 32.8 percent from deep on 9.1 attempts.

OKC Thunder key no. 2: Let rookies shine and track others growth

Rookies Aleksej Pokusevski and Theo Maledon are being given as many minutes as possible to expedite their professional experience and growth. Likewise, the Thunder are hoping these games help the ascent of Darius Bazley.

Over and above this group Daigneault will be invested in how the ‘others’ perform as it will dictate offseason homework and who might carve out a spot on the Thunder next season.

OKC Thunder key no. 3: Be cognizant of the perimeter and paint

The Jazz possesses top five rankings in all three key categories including offense (third), defense (fourth), and net rating (first).

Utah owns the fifth-best perimeter efficiency in the association (38.9 percent) but attempts the most 3-pointers and subsequently makes the most.

With Gobert manning the paint they are beasts on the glass with the fifth-best offensive board tally plus the second-rated defensive and total rebounds per game.

The only areas the Jazz don’t excel in are shots in the mid-range (because they avoid taking them) and surprisingly rank 22nd in assists.