NBA playoffs 2018: Three takeaways from the Jazz blowout win in Game 4 to take 3-1 series lead over Thunder

Carlan Gay

NBA playoffs 2018: Three takeaways from the Jazz blowout win in Game 4 to take 3-1 series lead over Thunder image

After dropping Game 1 in Oklahoma City, the Utah Jazz have been dominating the Thunder and now lead their first-round series 3-1 after Tuesday's 113-96 win.

MORE: Harden, Rockets get hot in the third quarter to seize 3-1 lead

Donovan Mitchell led the way with a game-high 33 points, seven rebounds - Aussie Joe Ingles added 20 points on 50% shooting from the field.

Here are three takeaways from the Jazz's Game 4 victory...

Three-point shooting

In Game 1 the Thunder shot 48% from three-point range and looked like they were going to cruise to a quick series win. On Tuesday (AEDT) the Thunder went 5-for-26 from the land beyond, and will now face elimination on Thursday in OKC. 

Without the three-point shot, Oklahoma City simply can find enough ways to attack the Utah defence. It's gotten into the Thunder's head - it has also allowed the Jazz to force on points in the paint and rebounding against one of the league's most potent offensive rebounding teams.

Joe Ingles vs Paul George

In Game 1 "Playoff P" talked a lot of trash to Joe Ingles. Ingles' response after it was he was ready and excited to continue the series.

After Game 4 it appears as though the talk is getting to the Thunder as frustration is beginning to show on the team down 3-1.


George's numbers haven't been bad this series, but in the mind game department, it's clear that Ingles has him beat. If OKC is to come back in this series "Playoff P" needs to get back to basketball and leave the trash talk alone.

Ball movement

The best way to break down a great defensive team is ball movement - the Thunder have gone away from that. In Game 4 they had only 10 assists on 33 made field goals.


They've made life easy for the Jazz on defence, as George, Russell Westbrook and company have tried to play hero ball.

When the Thunder moved the ball in the regular season their offence was one of the best to watch. They have to move the ball in Game 5 on Thursday or they'll be watching the rest of the playoffs from the sideline. 

Carlan Gay