The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Three adjustments that must be made for Game 2

By Jared Woodcox

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks two points against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donovan Mitchell;
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks two points against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donovan Mitchell; /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks two points against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donovan Mitchell;
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks two points against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donovan Mitchell; /

If the Utah Jazz want to bounce back from a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, there are three specific issues they’ll need to shore up.

Between an electrifying shooting night from Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star small forward Paul George and a typical incredible night from reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, the Utah Jazz were ultimately outmatched in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Sure, there were other factors that influenced the outcome of the contest, but the brilliance of George and Westbrook were principal among them.

Both of them are phenomenal players and there’s almost no doubting that they’ll continue to shine throughout the series regardless of what the Jazz do moving forward. However, it’s pretty reassuring to note that despite those two OKC stars having above-average nights (in George’s case, it was significantly above average) Utah still was able to remain competitive and finish the game within single digits.

Therefore, while the Game 1 loss was indeed discouraging, it should by no means leave fans or the players themselves feeling without hope. With a few minor adjustments here and there, the Jazz could find themselves in a completely different and much more favorable situation.

And that’s exactly what their approach will have to be leading up to Wednesday’s Game 2 showdown in Oklahoma City. They can’t come in feeling defeated, but rather need to enter the game with confidence, bouncing back from the blow they suffered in Game 1 by being focused and ready to execute the slight changes they need in order to topple the Thunder this time around.

There are certainly several areas where the Jazz could look to improve to give themselves a better chance at winning, but none are as critical as the following three. It’s unrealistic to expect Utah to play a perfect game, but if they can repair just these three vital facets, I like their chances of stealing Game 2:

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