About to tip off for the Western Conference Semi-Finals
Utah Jazz v. Houston Rockets
Keys for the Jazz
1) No turnovers to limit Rockets transition
2) Keep the ball moving. If ball stops sign the Rockets switching defense is having its impact
3) Limit three point attempts

It is going to take the Jazz a little while to get used to this. The Rockets play so differently than the Thunder and for that matter anyone in the NBA. Defensively the Rockets switch every exchange. EVERY exchange. They spread offensively to the max – Rockets 17-10

James Harden is really good

Scary thing about the first quarter is Rockets who take 50% of their shots as three point shots only took 7 of 22 shots from three so Jazz defense is largely doing what it wants but Rox have hit 5 of 7 from three and 8 of 15 from 2 – 34-21 end of 1

When I watched Rockets v. Timberwolves I was stunned at how the Rockets were able to go wherever they wanted whenever they wanted. Thought it was Wolves soft defense. Happening today as well. Maybe it is the Rockets – Rox by 20

Rockets offensive rating right now is 149

Way too many …… Palindromes

Jazz trail 53-35 with 4:05 left in the 2nd quarter. Also trailed 42-24. Didn’t trail 31-13 so that is good.

we know about 25 point leads ……..

Rockets 64 Jazz 39 at the half. Rockets have been great.

If you are watching (turn down volume and up the radio) watch how when the Rockets switch the defender switching onto the ball comes forward toward the ball in an aggressive manner rather than the way most teams switch and defender is soft

Things that can be done against switching
1) keep moving the ball
2) pick your own man so he can’t switch onto ball
3) Slip the picks

Nothing new here – Rockets lead it 80-56 They have lead by 10 or more in 37% of their 3rd Q minutes. By 20 or more in 14% of 3rd Q minutes. The leagues best looks it tonight

Raul Neto checks in

Jazz win the 3rd quarter 29-22 but are on the wrong side of another palindrome 86-68 at the end of 3 quarter. Neto, Exum, Burks, Crowder and Favors were on the floor for Jazz run to close 3rd quarter

Dante Exum off the ball with Raul Neto is an interesting idea

James Harden 5 of 7 on step back threes today. That is incredible.

Jazz are getting run today but lots of things about this are ok . They are limiting the Rockets three points shots (28 of 73 shots) The Rockets are making absurd shots and offensively they are understanding better.

Poor pass on a fast break to Donovan Mitchell makes him studder step and Mitchell significantly turns his ankle. As he turned his ankle looks as though Eric Gordon stepped on the already turned ankle. Not sure which order. Looked like it hurt a lot

Jazz fall in game 1 – Rockets 110 Jazz 96. Rockets were great and the Jazz had very little time to get ready. Jazz seemed to get more comfortable as game went on will find out Wednesday if they learned anything . Harden brilliant again with 41 poiints on 12 of 26 shooting