Utah Jazz at OKC Thunder: George’s big night proves too much for Jazz in Game 1

The Utah Jazz fell by a final score of 108-116 in their game one loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder who were led by 36 points from Paul George. Here are my instant observations from the series opener.

The Utah Jazz wasted no time getting things going to start Sunday’s first round series Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Jazz rolled out of the gate with a 16-4 run. Utah appeared locked in and ready to take it to the Thunder in the opening game on OKC’s home floor.

Donovan Mitchell, making his playoff debut, led the way early with nine quick points to help Utah capture the early double-digit lead.

The Thunder, however, answered quickly after a Billy Donovan timeout. Paul George and Carmelo Anthony helped OKC rattle off a 12-0 run of their own to tie the game at 16 apiece.

Utah was never able to recapture the momentum and played from behind for most of the game. Despite an impressive start from Mitchell and shooting 46 percent from the field as a team, the Jazz found themselves tied at 25 at the end of the first quarter.

“Playoff P” got going

That’s when things started to heat up for OKC. The self-titled “Playoff P”, aka Paul George, added 14 second-quarter points to extend OKC’s lead to six heading into the half.

Oklahoma City’s “big three” appeared unfazed by Utah’s top-ranked defensive unit. Rudy Gobert and Co. forced the Thunder into mostly jumpshots, however, OKC continued to knock them down, finishing the half shooting 46 percent from the floor.

On the other hand, Utah was never able to get anything going consistently on offense. They settled for too many isolation looks late in the shot clock.

Coming out of the half, Utah had to find a way to slow down George while also finding some offense of their own. Unfortunately for the Jazz, they weren’t able to do either effectively.

The Jazz found ways to remain within striking distance, however, another 11 points from George in the third quarter kept them at a safe distance.

Both Joe Ingles and Royce O’Neale were tasked with trying to stop George’s offensive onslaught, however, neither one was able to find any semblance of success. George finished with 36 points on eight threes to go along with seven rebounds on the night.

Russell Westbrook added 29 points to go along with his 13 rebounds and eight assists while Carmelo Anthony chipped in with 15, including some big first quarter buckets when OKC was on the ropes.

One of Utah’s few bright spots on the night was Mitchell’s performance in his first playoff action. The rookie finished with an impressive 27 points and 10 rebounds. He did, however, leave the briefly game with an apparent toe injury. After pleading his case, Mitchell returned to the game.

One thing is certain, Michell proved that the moment does not appear to be too big for him. Fingers crossed he is healthy and can carry his impressive play into Wednesday’s Game 2.

Outside of Mitchell, Utah got very little consistent help on offense. Ingles added 13 points, however, he took just nine shots and was held to a single assist.

Ingles has become a focal point of Utah’s offensive system. Quin Snyder and the Jazz will need to find ways to get Ingles more involved as the series progresses. That may be a challenge, however, considering Ingles’ assignment to guard George.

Dante Exum showed his ability to get to the rim, adding 10 points off the bench. Jae Crowder added 13 bench points of his own. His toughness should also serve the Jazz well as the series continues.

Silver linings?

Besides Mitchell proving that he can perform on the biggest stage, what else went right for the Jazz?

While the Jazz played far from a perfect game, there are reasons to remain cautiously confident in Utah’s chances.

Despite giving up 116 points, the Jazz defense was able to hold OKC to mostly contested looks, turning Westbrook into a jump shooter. Also,

PLayoff P

George will not average 36 points this series.

Quin Snyder should also be able to make the necessary adjustments to put Utah’s offense in a better position to keep up with OKC’s talented starting lineup. Ricky Rubio, who was also making his playoff debut, should settle in as well.

This was never going to be an easy series for the Jazz. Look for Coach Snyder and the Jazz to rebound after a disappointing Game 1 performance. OKC’s star-studded lineup will continue to present matchup challenges to the Jazz, but I fully expect Coach Snyder and the Jazz to come ready to Game 2 with a much better plan.

It isn’t time to overreact yet, Jazz fans.

In the wise words of one Rudy Gobert, WE WILL BE FINE.

What’s next?

Utah will stay in Oklahoma City for Game 2 on Wednesday night at 6:00 PM MST.

While OKC’s star-studded lineup will continue to present matchup challenges for the Jazz, look for Coach Snyder and the Jazz to come prepared for Game 2 with a much better plan.

That is what it will take if Utah plans to return home with the series tied at one game apiece.

Next: Utah Jazz: Grades for every Jazzman’s 2017-18 season

Follow me on Twitter @TylerDThorpe for more Utah Jazz insights and analysis.