Prediction
The problem with all of this is that while each of these keys are things that the Jazz may be capable of doing for one game or maybe two, I just don’t see how they keep the Warriors in check for four games. Golden State is an absolutely incredible team and while these three keys will help put the Jazz in a position to win, actually pulling each of them off consistently will likely require a downright miracle.
Still, in my mind it’s pretty clear that in many cases the Jazz aren’t being given the credit they deserve. They’ve shown all year that they can compete with the best of the best and if they can utilize their strengths that have the potential to expose some of the Warriors most notable (although minuscule) weaknesses, then they could have a chance of slaying Goliath.
Yes, the Warriors are massive favorites. But there are some Jazz strengths that will cause GSW problems. Here are 3: https://t.co/rmNl7MXbD7
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) May 2, 2017
Nevertheless, the Warriors are still heavy favorites. And at the end of the day they’ll likely find a way to utilize their sheer talent and incredible shooting to find a way to outmatch the Jazz. Therefore, I’m predicting that Golden State takes care of business in five games over the fifth-seeded Jazz.
Prediction – Warriors in 5
More from The J-Notes
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- Former Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay is a free agent still and it shouldn’t surprise anyone
Of course, I also predicted a Clippers series victory in six, so what do I know, right? Maybe the Jazz will shock the world and find a way to orchestrate an even better series than I’ve projected or perhaps even a series victory. In truth, though, Utah’s season was already a success just by making the playoffs. It became an overwhelming success when they beat the Clippers and advanced out of the first round.
Even if the Jazz are defeated by the Golden State Warriors, which is the most likely outcome, if they’re able to even push them to the limit somewhat, there’s a good chance that this Utah team could turn some heads and garner some attention as a squad with the potential to perhaps one day upend the Western Conference’s most dominant group.
With an important offseason coming up for the Jazz and with hopes that a couple more key players may be interested in joining their ranks as free agents, that makes showing up and competing as hard as possible all the more important. The Utah Jazz have a daunting task ahead, but if they stick to their identity and the solid game plan that I’m sure Quin Snyder will have in place, then they have a chance to make some major noise this series.
All stats courtesy of NBA.com