The Utah Jazz made a statement in Game 4 by finding a way to win despite the return of Luka Doncic. The exclamation point was put on the game by Rudy Gobert slamming home an alley-oop to put the Jazz on top with 11 seconds still to play. This was a massive win for Utah as the series is now tied at 2-2. The Jazz will have no time to rest and must prepare for Game 5 which will take place back in Dallas.

3 bold Jazz predictions for Game 5 vs Mavs

Donovan Mitchell Hits 5+ Three-Pointers

It has been a difficult series for the Jazz star. While he has scored over 30 points in the first three games, he has been inefficient in his shooting. Mitchell ended Game 4 with 23 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. The three-time All-Star is at the core of everything the Jazz do and needs to elevate his production if they are to find success.

The area where this is especially clear is from beyond the three-point arc. In the series, Mitchell is shooting 8 for 34 (23.5%) on these long-range attempts. The Jazz guard has attempted 10 three-pointers twice in the series but has failed to connect on more than three in any game. Donovan Mitchell is due to snap out of this soon and is a career 36.1% three-point shooter as evidence of this. Look for Mitchell to get hot in Game 5 and prove why the Jazz should feel confident in him as the franchise centerpiece.

Jazz attempt 40+ three-pointers

Connecting on long-range three-point attempts is one of the calling cards of the Utah Jazz team. The supporting cast around Mitchell and Gobert is loaded with guys ready to catch and shoot. During the regular season, the Jazz ranked second in the NBA in three-point attempts at 39.8 per game. They also shot 35.9% as a team which is the 11th best average in the NBA.

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This success has not translated early on in the postseason. The Mavs have shot and made more three-pointers in all four games so far this series. In total, Dallas has attempted 51 more three-point attempts than the Jazz which is unacceptable given their style of play. Across the first four games, the Jazz shot 37-114 (32.5%) on three-point attempts while the Mavericks are 64-165 (38.8%). It has certainly been a part of the Mavericks' defensive scheme to limit three-pointers allowed, but the Jazz must overcome this.

In Game 4, the Jazz had the most three-point attempts they have thus far. Despite being held to 29 or fewer attempts in the first three games, the Jazz shot 10-35 on threes in Game 4. This is a step in the right direction for the team. Utah must build off this effort and get back to its team's identity. Look for them to overcompensate slightly in this area and pursue long-range shots more aggressively than they have all series.

Rudy Gobert tallies 3 blocks

It is time for Rudy Gobert to put his money where his mouth is. After being fined for his explicit comments following the previous victory, it is clear Gobert wants to win the series. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year must back this up in Game 5 by taking control defensively. Through the first four games of the series, Gobert has tallied a total of six blocks. However, he was unable to record one in Game 4.

The impact of Gobert oftentimes goes beyond the stat sheet as he deters shots from even being attempted in the paint. Even so, the Jazz big man must make his presence felt and be active defensively. Look for Gobert to make use of his ridiculous 7'1 frame and 7'9 wingspan and set the defensive tone early on. The Jazz perimeter defenders also must do a better job chasing defenders off the three-point line and give Gobert a chance to protect the rim. This has been the team's defensive tactic for the past few seasons, but they have been ineffective in the series.

While it has been a frustrating final few months for the Jazz, there is optimism they are hitting a turning point. There has been so much noise of the behind-the-scenes drama between Gobert and Mitchell. The alley-oop to secure the win should help put that to rest. Winning cures everything and the two players must realize they need each other to do this. Look for the Jazz to have woken up for the remainder of the series and attempt to pick up a win in Dallas to take back home-court advantage. Utah is a better team than they have shown all season and it is entirely possible they can still hit their stride.