Utah Jazz: Pros and cons of the first-round series against OKC

MIAMI, FL – APRIL 09: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action moving the ball up the court with Paul George #13 during the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by B51/Mark Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Russell Westbrook’ Paul George

Individual matchups are worrisome

I’ve just concluded chatting about Gobert and Adams, and that’s certain to be a pretty even match. However, there are plenty of other individual matchups across the board that should cause concern for Jazz fans.

Beginning with Russell Westbrook, who is going to be able to contain him? Ricky Rubio? Donovan Mitchell? Dante Exum? I’m sure they’ll all get their turn, but I think we all know who has the edge there. I’m sure Joe Ingles and Royce O’Neale will get a chance as well as others, but there’s no questioning that he’s a tough cover for anybody.

The same goes for Paul George, and it’s even more frightening to consider that George may draw the primary assignment of covering Mitchell on defense. George is not an easy guy to score on and will present a challenging matchup on both ends of the floor.

Reasons for optimism for the Jazz vs. OKC.

• OKC won’t pull Gobert out of the paint.

• Jazz won’t run into a lot of defensive mismatches.

• OKC likely won’t blitz Jazz with three point shooting.

• Jazz can match up with Steven Adams every minute he’s on the floor.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) April 12, 2018

Then there’s Carmelo Anthony, and while he isn’t exactly the most deadly of the Thunder players, he can still fill it up if he gets going, and he’s punished the Jazz in the past. Derrick Favors may have his work cut out for him defending him out to the the three-point line, but luckily the likes of Crowder and Jonas Jerebko will be waiting in reserve to slow the stretch-four down as well.

The Jazz have answers for each of these guys, but some of them are shaky at best. The Thunder have an extremely potent starting lineup that presents some daunting matchups that will test Utah to the absolute core. To overcome this, the Jazz will need to force OKC’s shooters into inefficient outings and overwhelmingly win the battle of the bench.

Although shooting percentage and bench play are weaknesses for the Thunder, those tasks will still be easier said than done especially considering all the talent that OKC is able to roll out in their starting five as well as have on the floor at all times.