The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz-Rockets Game 5: Can the Jazz stave off elimination?

By John Keeffer

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 06: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to his basket in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 06: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to his basket in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. /

Continue to fight through the final buzzer

Being down 3-1 in a playoff series is incredibly difficult to overcome. In the history of the NBA, only 11 teams have ever come back to win a series after being down 3-1, and only four of those teams have been the road team. So…you’re saying there’s a chance!

That has to be the mindset of the Utah Jazz. If they have mentally accepted defeat and are expecting to lose, then this game is already over. You can’t be thinking about summer vacation and expect to compete.

The other struggle will be continuing to fight through the buzzer. The Rockets were one of the best 1st quarter teams in the league this season. They jump on you early and then coast to victories. The Jazz have shown incredible resilience this season, and if they are to fall behind by 10 or more points early, it’ll take a lot of mental toughness to keep themselves going.

With players like Chris Paul and James Harden, and then a coach in Mike D’Antoni, the Rockets have some guys who have failed to rise to the occasion in the past. If the Jazz can stay close and perhaps even have a lead late, Houston may falter. Then the series comes back to Utah, the pressure is on the Rockets, and the Jazz can try to be a part of history.

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