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Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: Keys to the Game

By Jared Woodcox

Feb 28, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) shoots the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) shoots the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Performer – Joe Johnson

With Joe Johnson‘s move to power forward (and perhaps even starting power forward if Derrick Favors‘ issues continue) becoming likely a more permanent fixture, he’ll be in a position to be even more of a key contributor night in and night out for the Jazz than what he’s been so far.

And that’s saying a lot, because Johnson has indeed been phenomenal this season, even though Utah’s limited his usage pretty significantly to keep him ready for this stretch run and the postseason. Per 36 minutes this year, Johnson is averaging a solid 13.5 points per game and has been a lights out shooter from deep at 40.1 percent, the third best mark on the team.

Not to mention he’s been an exceptional steadying veteran presence that has no doubt made the entire team better as a result.

https://twitter.com/1280sports/status/840001123671015426

He was great as the starting power forward against Houston as he finished with 16 points on 50 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from deep. If he was able to do that against an experienced Houston team, I cant wait to see how he takes care of business against rookie Domantas Sabonis who will likely get the nod at the four for the Thunder.

Newcomer Taj Gibson was able to bully Iso Joe somewhat in the paint last game, but not to any degree where he was enough of a threat to neutralize all the other positives that Johnson brings to the table. With Joe fitting in perfectly alongside Utah’s typical starters and enjoying a favorable match-up on both ends of the floor against OKC, his play will likely be vital to Utah’s success and he could very well be in for a big night in tomorrow’s contest.

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