Jazz Notes Podcast Searches For Meaning In Utah’s Playoff Losses
Apr 18, 2019, 12:13 PM | Updated: 1:08 pm
Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets calls a timeout as he battles with Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz and Joe Ingles #2 during Game Two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center on April 17, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Following the Utah Jazz’s second consecutive loss to the Houston Rockets to start the Western Conference playoffs, the Jazz Notes podcast broke down the Game 2 defeat.
For the second consecutive game, there weren’t a lot of positives to mention for Utah.
On the podcast, host Cleon Wall was joined by KSL Sports writers Austin Facer and Trevor Allen.
As for what has been ailing the Jazz as of late, the biggest thing was that they don’t look like themselves, according to Facer.
“Defensively, they’ve been a mess,” said Facer. “That’s something that they’ve hung their hat on for the last couple of seasons, being a great defensive team. They’re just not doing the things that made them a great team earlier in the year.”
Wall agreed, saying the team seemed to lacking fire and emotion in both of the opening games.
… in the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity. #TeamIsEverything pic.twitter.com/FA06EQ6wym
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) April 18, 2019
“To me it’s like, where is the Jazz’s fight right now? Where is it,” asked Wall. “We’ve heard all season long especially from coach Quin Snyder that this team’s identity is really its defense. I’m not going to sit here and blame it all on the defense but it kinda starts there.”
The trio agreed that it seems that the Jazz are overthinking things too much.
As for a solution, Wall made the case that playing physical may not be the best course of action for the Jazz as the officials will likely protect Houston’s James Harden and give him tons of opportunities to make Utah pay from the free throw line.
After Game 2 in Houston, Jazz guard Ricky Rubio admitted that guarding James Harden is really, really difficult. https://t.co/O5ontoeDUn
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 18, 2019
“The problem is that if you put Harden at the foul line, he’s going to knock them down,” said Allen. “He lives at the foul line.”
Inspired by the “Double Rainbow” video that went viral a few years ago, the trio searched desperately for meaning in the Jazz’s first two playoff losses.
There wasn’t too much positive to say about Utah.
Game 3 between Utah and Houston will tip off Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Throughout the Jazz’s playoff run, the Jazz Notes podcast will air daily episodes. Subscribe and listen anywhere podcasts are found. Episodes are also found in the podcasts section of sports.ksl.com
