Utah Jazz spoil Westbrook’s guarantee, take 3-1 series lead over Thunder

Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz took a commanding 3-1 lead in their series with the Oklahoma City Thunder with a blowout win at the Viv.

After the Utah Jazz’s Game 3 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook guaranteed he would “shut down” Ricky Rubio in Game 3. Despite Westbrook’s vow, the Thunder had no answers for the Jazz in the second half of a physical 113-96 Jazz win.

It was a prime example of playoff basketball. What a game.

Where do you even start in a game that featured multiple technical fouls, an ejection, Mitt Romney taunting Westbrook, “Pushoff P” chants, and free Chick-fil-a (Thanks, Raymond Felton)?

Let’s start with a little background.

After Rubio’s triple-double in Game 3, Westbrook promised to “shut down” the Spaniard in the series’ fourth installment. How would Westbrook make good on his promise? It didn’t take long to answer that question.

Utah’s first possession featured Westbrook picking up Rubio near half-court and playing smothering prevent defense on the perimeter. Westbrook wasn’t the only one looking to establish the physicality early. Derrick Favors and Paul “Pushoff P” George got into it in the game’s opening possessions as well.

After taking a 2-1 series lead over the Thunder on Sunday night, the Jazz knew they would get a desperate OKC squad coming into Game 4. That is exactly what they got on Monday night and the physicality continued throughout the entire game.

Despite a six-point first quarter deficit, the Jazz appeared ready to answer the Thunder’s initial push to tie the series up at two games apiece heading back to OKC. Utah was getting the looks it wanted, but the shots just weren’t falling early.

The Jazz found themselves chasing the Thunder for much of the second period. That changed when Joe Ingles took over the half’s final minutes.

Ingles, who was scoreless for the first 22 minutes of the game (0-of-4 shooting), finished the half with three straight 3-pointers to give the Jazz a 58-52 halftime lead. The trademark Ingles staredowns quickly followed. And they did not disappoint.

Utah carried the momentum into the second half. The Jazz opened the third period on a 9-0 run to take a 67-52 lead over the Thunder. Donovan Mitchell (how did we get this far into an article without really mentioning him?) added 11 third-quarter points to give him 24 heading into the final period.

Before OKC could answer, Utah took an 87-66 lead after an Ingles 3-ball capped off yet another 9-0 Jazz run. The Jazz took a 17-point lead into the game’s final period.

Westbrook, who finished the night with 23 points and 14 rebounds, was never able to get into a rhythm after picking up four fouls in the first half. And Mitt Romney was LOVING it…

Repping that No. 5 jersey, huh? Would that make him “Mitt Rodney” or “Romney Hood”?

George, who was showered with “Pushoff P” chants all night, added 32 points of his own.

Utah’s smothering defense held OKC’s “big three” to just 37 percent shooting from the floor. Much of that can be attributed to Rudy Gobert.

Gobert, who added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, kept the Thunder out fo the paint for much of the game. “The Gobert Factor” simply cannot be overstated. Especially in a series that has essentially turned Westbrook into a jump shooter.

Mitchell continued his impressive playoff performance. The rookie finished with 33 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Not bad for a 21-year-old making his FOURTH EVER PLAYOFF START.

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All five of Utah’s starters finished with double-digit scoring efforts. Derrick Favors, who has been key in this series, totaled 13 points to go along with 13 from Rubio and 20 from Ingles.

Undrafted rookie, Royce O’Neale, chipped in with an impressive 10-point and nine-rebound performance off Utah’s bench.

Despite a large fourth-quarter deficit, OKC continued the psychical play. The Thunder lost their heads while Utah (for the most part) remained composed. If the Jazz can maintain their poise in Game 5, this series might be as good as over.

The icing on the cake came with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Raymond Felton was at the line shooting two free throws. After missing the first of two, you could sense the excitement building in the arena… as soon as the second shot fell off the rim, the place went absolutely NUTS.

Free Chick-fil-a for everyone!

Again, Thank you, Raymond Felton!

You would have thought Utah just won the Western Conference finals. Matt Harpring would be so proud.

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What’s next?

Game 5 will be played on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM MST.

Despite the 3-1 series lead, Utah will need to remain locked in as the series shifts back to OKC for Game 5. All it takes is one slip up for the momentum to tilt back on the Thunder’s favor.

Remember, this is a team that was pegged as a potential championship contender prior to the season. If tonight was any indication, OKC obviously feels the pressure to perform.

Utah has proven to be the better team this series, however, look for much of the same physicality on Wednesday night. OKC will come out swinging. Utah will need to weather the storm and continue to play their brand of basketball.

If the Jazz can avoid losing the heads, they have an excellent chance to close out this series in an impressive five games.

Long story short, it is a good time to be a Jazz fan.

Also, another HUGE shout out to the fans at the arena tonight. Jazz Nation showed up BIG TIME.

#TakeNote

Next: Utah Jazz news: Rudy Gobert pens stirring piece for Players’ Tribune

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