Utah Jazz will aim to make history, though Game 3 will likely haunt them

The Utah Jazz’s odds remain bleak after their Game 4 win as they still face a 3-1 deficit. But the unfavorable situation also provides them with a chance to make history.

It took four games but the Utah Jazz finally performed the way their loyal fans hoped to see out of them all series long against the Houston Rockets. Game 4 was absolutely electric as the Jazz overcame a third quarter lull and put up an impressive 31-12 fourth quarter to seal the win and keep their season alive.

The contest featured solid play from Jae Crowder and Ricky Rubio, who had struggled previously. Crowder went off for 23 points while Rubio added 18. And of course Donovan Mitchell was prolific, putting up 31 points including 19 in an amazing fourth quarter.

It was a much-needed pick-me-up game after the Jazz had fallen into a discouraging 3-0 hole after a hard-fought loss to the Rockets in Game 3. Unfortunately, while the win was absolutely exhilarating, it also makes that loss on Saturday all the more painful. If the Jazz had only executed slightly better and taken advantage of James Harden‘s off shooting night, this series very well could be knotted at two games apiece.

Instead, Utah still faces a daunting 3-1 deficit as the series shifts back to Houston where Utah has lost by 32 and 20, respectively. And of course, setting Monday’s victory to one side, no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit, meaning the odds of going on to win the series certainly aren’t in Utah’s favor.

That said, falling into the 3-0 hole and now winning Game 4 does give the Jazz an incredible opportunity – an opportunity to make NBA history.

The Jazz looked as confident and composed as they have all series in the majority of Game 4, especially in a breathtaking fourth quarter. Their defense, rebounding and paint scoring were all on point which led to the big win. If they’ve figured some things out and can carry over some of that excellent performance to Houston, the series could quickly get interesting once again.

Unfortunately, as great as Utah played, it also can’t be ignored how poorly the Rockets shot down the stretch in Game 4 leading to their 12 points in the period. With a few adjustments and some better execution on their end as well, the Rockets could very well return to their dominant ways just as easily in Game 5.

Honestly, I’m leaning towards that as being the most likely outcome. Chances are, the Rockets will take care of business and match their gentleman’s sweep from a year ago.

However, there’s no denying that the Jazz showed major fight and heart in Game 4. And, hey, crazier things have happened. Just think, until the 2018 season, no 16-seed had ever defeated a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament, but UMBC delivered. Let’s not forget that the hero of that game, Jairus Lyles, just so happens to be a Salt Lake City Star, so perhaps his magic will carry over to the Jazz who will make NBA history by becoming the first team to overcome the 3-0 deficit.

I’m not necessarily going to put money on it, but I’m also going to hold true to the manta that it ain’t over ’til it’s over. The Jazz lost a game they should have won in Game 3. Perhaps the same will happen to the Rockets in some instance. Or if the Jazz’s game plan has turned a corner in being able to contain Houston, we may see a dramatic shift in any remaining games moving forward.

The Utah Jazz’s backs are against the wall and their chances of survival are low. But if we’ve learned anything from this Donovan Mitchell-led squad, including overcoming a 19-28 record to earn the fifth seed a year ago, it’s to never, ever give up on this team.

Here’s to an exciting Game 5 for the Utah Jazz. And a shot at making unforgettable NBA history.