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: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz tries to keep the ball away from Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of a NBA playoff game 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 *** Ricky Rubio; Paul George
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 15: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz tries to keep the ball away from Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of a NBA playoff game 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 *** Ricky Rubio; Paul George /

Ricky Rubio must be effective offensively

Ricky Rubio has a reputation of being a non-shooter. Most opposing scouting reports have him listed as the ideal player to leave open, particularly from behind the arc where he’s been less than effective for most of his career.

For the most part, this has been the sad but unfortunate truth about Rubio. After all, he has shot just 38.5 percent from the field on his career and 32.5 percent from deep. When looking at those numbers, there’s no question why the Thunder were so willing to leave him open in Sunday’s Game 1 bout.

They dared him to take threes, even when he was wide open, but Rubio failed to convert as he went 0-of-3 from beyond the arc on the night. Not only that, but his other shots weren’t falling either as he finished a measly 5-of-18 (27.8 percent) from the field.

Thunder fans and personnel may just view that as another typical night for Rubio, but those of us who have followed the Jazz closely know that such doesn’t line up with his recent trend whatsoever. Rubio certainly did struggle in the first half of the season, however, his dramatically improved shooting and effectiveness on offense played an enormous role in Utah’s 29-6 streak to close out the season.

On several occasions, Rubio’s offense carried his Jazz team and certainly helped their offense turn the corner from what it had been prior. In the month of February, he put up 16 points on 47.8 percent shooting from the field and 50 percent from deep. He dipped a little in march at 15.6 PPG, 40.4 FG% and 35.7 3PT%, but was right back at in in April with marks of 17 PPG, 57.1 FG% and 54.2 3PT%.

In other words, Utah’s offense depends on Ricky Rubio taking and making good shots. Him doing so can be surprising to opponents, but based on his play during the final three months of the regular season, Jazz fans have almost come to expect it of him.

And they’ll certainly need him to do just that in order to have a chance in Game 2. Utah’s leading scorer Donovan Mitchell largely carried the load for the Jazz in Game 1, but he needs significant help from his backcourt companion to overcome the prolific scoring threats of the OKC Thunder.

Rubio’s improved offense was a main contributing factor to Utah’s massive turnaround. They can’t afford for him to revert to the norm at the most critical time of year.

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