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The Utah Jazz head into Game 3 against the Mavericks with the series tied at one win apiece. An impressive 41-point performance from Jalen Brunson helped secure the Mavs a 110-104 victory in Game 2. This was a massive opportunity missed by the Jazz as it appears Luka Doncic may be able to return for Dallas in the next matchup. Regardless, the Jazz have no time to look back as they will head to Utah for Games 3 and 4. Nonetheless, it's time to look at Jazz-Mavs Game 3.
Jazz-Mavs Game 3
Mike Conley scores 20+ points
It has been a disappointing series thus far for Mike Conley. The Ohio State product scored 13 points on 6 of 12 shooting in the opening matchup. He followed this effort with a scoreless performance in Game 2 where he shot 0-7 from the field. Conley averaged just under 14 points per game in the regular season but appears due for a breakout performance. He may not put up eye-popping numbers, but Conley is often the safety net in this Jazz offense. Getting him back on track would help the Jazz find their stride as an offense.
While Donovan Mitchell is a special talent and undoubtedly the Jazz’s best player, the isolation-heavy sets have not led to great success for the team. If Mike Conley can knock down a few early shots it would be extremely beneficial to stop the defensive focus on Mitchell. Look for Conley to come out in attack mode and seek his own shot early on.
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Rudy Gobert will struggle
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Rudy Gobert is a special defender. His 7’1 frame and 7’9 wingspan make it nearly impossible to properly attack the basket and are a major reason for his three Defensive Player of the Year awards. While his paint protection is elite, Gobert struggles when forced out on the perimeter.
The Mavs are clearly aware of this and have capitalized by isolating the big man in space. Dallas opted to go small and give Maxi Kleber extended minutes in Game 2. The German forward was an afterthought in the Utah defensive scheme as Gobert allowed him to sit comfortably on the perimeter. Kleber ended the game with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in his 32 minutes of play. He knocked down 8 of his 11 three-point attempts with most of them proving to be uncontested looks.
So much of the defensive scheme of the Jazz involves funneling perimeter players toward Gobert in the paint, but this is not effective if the Mavs are shooting such an impressive rate from the perimeter. The Jazz lack the personnel to effectively play small, so Gobert will likely continue to be left out there to struggle.
Donovan Mitchell scores 40 points
The scoring numbers may look fine on paper, but Donovan Mitchell has lacked efficiency in his game. Utah’s superstar guard scored 32 and 34 in Games 1 and 2 but is a combined 23-59 (38.9%) on field-goal attempts. With the home crowd behind him, look for Mitchell to seize the moment in Game 3. There have been several examples of players elevating their game in the postseason and Mitchell should be expected to do the same. Spida must take control of the spotlight and find his groove in this matchup.
It is even more important for this superstar performance given the return of Luka Doncic. The Mavs are undoubtedly a different team with him in the lineup. There have been many whispers of unhappiness about several Jazz players throughout the past few seasons. Whether it be Mitchell’s desire for a bigger market or Rudy Gobert’s unhappiness with Mitchell, there is a relative uncertainty surrounding the Jazz. A first-round exit could lead to some major implications for the future of the franchise. Regardless if Mitchell sees himself in Utah for the longterm or not, this is his opportunity to shine on the brightest stage. Expect Mitchell to play like the superstar he is as the team attempts to regain control of the series.
