Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Five Things to Watch For

Mar 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) guards Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) guards Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 12, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) shoots a free throw during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) shoots a free throw during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Will Experience of Jazz Veterans Pay Off?

When the Utah Jazz faltered down the stretch last season, it was largely credited to the fact that their young core didn’t have the experience or discipline to close out the year and make it into the playoffs. That played a major role in Utah’s decision to go out and add veterans during the offseason which they did by acquiring the likes of George Hill, Joe Johnson and Boris Diaw.

Aside from injuries to George Hill and inconsistencies from Boris Diaw, all three have been exceptional. There’s no questioning that the three of them have had a major impact on Utah’s success this season adding a savviness and talent that the Jazz were severely missing before.

And while these vets were added largely to help Utah make a push towards the playoffs, they were also brought on board because the Jazz knew that once they got to the postseason, they would need them to have a drastic impact. And while of course George Hill will be vital as the starting point guard, perhaps none of them will be as important as Joe Johnson.

Johnson has been on an absolute tear of late as he’s averaged 14.7 points on 50.8 percent shooting from the field and 60.6 percent from deep over the course of his past six games. Utah’s been careful with his usage all year long and he’s peaking at just the right time so that he will be ready to be spectacular for the Jazz in the playoffs.

Still, even with the likes of Hill, Diaw and Johnson on the squad, the Clippers have a significant amount more playoff experience than the Jazz. Thus that trio is going to have to be absolutely exceptional to give Utah an extra edge. Mentally, they’ll have to not only prepare themselves, but also help their younger and less-experienced teammates be ready for the higher pressure and heightened intensity of the playoffs.

If the Jazz come out focused and energized and are able to make good plays throughout the series, you can bet that the leadership added by their trio of vets will be a large contributing factor to that success.