Utah Jazz: Four things that must change to even series with Houston

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 4: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets expresses disappointment during the game against the Utah Jazz during Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

Prevent easy baskets for Houston

The Houston Rockets tend to put up so many three-pointers, that it can feel like they are absolutely obliterating the competition from deep. However, while this may seem surprising, the Jazz actually shot much more efficiently from behind the arc in Game 3 than the Rockets did while making the exact same amount.

Houston went 11-of-36 (30.6 percent) while the Jazz went 11-of-30 (37.9 percent). If the Jazz were able to consistently put up that kind of mark – making the same amount of threes as Houston and at a much more efficient rate – I would love their chances! However, the Rockets were able to feast on the Jazz in Game 3 due to all the easy baskets they got.

The Rockets put up an astounding 50 points in the paint compared to Utah’s 46. Considering that the Jazz averaged significantly more points in the paint than the Rockets during the regular season (in fact, Houston finished the year 28th in the league in that category), this is an area where many felt Utah could thrive. However, thus far, Houston has had their way in the paint with excellent ball movement and decision making and due to the fact that Clint Capela has largely outplayed Rudy Gobert thus far (more on this later).

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/992628297690505216

Not only did Houston get several easy baskets in the paint, but they also were dominant in transition as they put up 20 fast break points on the Jazz compared to Utah’s 10. This was far from a strength for Houston in the regular season as they were just 17th in the league at 11.4 fast break points per game, so the Jazz simply can’t allow them to dominate in that fashion.

The Rockets only had five fast break points in Game 2 and that’s much closer to where the Jazz will need to hold them.

In short, Utah survived Houston’s three-point barrage quite well and even went as far as to win the battle from three-point land. That still likely needs to happen, but even more importantly, Utah has to prevent the Rockets from getting so many easy looks. If they don’t, they’ll likely be run off the court just like they were in Game 3.