What to Watch For (Game Two): Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Clippers
Donovan Mitchell (45) scores a three-pointer over Nicolas Batum (33) in game one of the Western Conference Semifinals
Snapshot of Game One:
The Utah Jazz started off slow, but came out firing in the second half, leading to a three point Jazz victory in game one. Donovan Mitchell's uncanny ability to score, alongside Rudy Gobert's extraordinary defense helped the Jazz take the lead and never look back. Utah's 112-109 win on Tuesday night gives them a 1-0 advantage heading into game two.
One of the many highlights of the night came with only seconds remaining in regulation. Los Angeles' Marcus Morris caught the ball and attempted to hoist a three pointer to send the game into overtime. His attempt came up short. In fact, the ball went sideways thanks to the blocking ability of Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert.
Playoff Schedule:
(Game 1) Tuesday June 8, 2021 at 8:00pm MST: Los Angeles Clippers @ Utah Jazz (TNT) Jazz Won 112-109
(Game 2) Thursday June 10, 2021 at 8:00pm MST: Los Angeles Clippers @ Utah Jazz (ESPN)
(Game 3) Saturday June 12, 2021 at 6:30pm MST: Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Clippers (ABC)
(Game 4) Monday June 14, 2021 at TBD: Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Clippers (TNT)
(Game 5) Wednesday June 16, 2021 at TBD: Los Angeles Clippers @ Utah Jazz (TNT)
(Game 6) Friday June 18, 2021 at TBD: Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Clippers (ESPN)
(Game 7) Sunday June 20, 2021 at TBD: Los Angeles Clippers @ Utah Jazz (N.A.)
Joe Ingles (2) celebrates with fans during the Jazz 112-109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers
Fun Facts:
The Jazz will once again wear a rotation of their Association and City Uniforms during round two of the Western Conference Playoffs. During games one and two, the Jazz will wear their black and gradient jerseys. In games three and four, they will break out their home-white uniforms. If the series extends past game four, the Jazz will wear their black and gradient jerseys in games five and seven, and their white uniforms in game six. An easier way to think of it is, if the Jazz are at home, they'll be in their City Uniforms. If the Jazz are away, they'll be in their Association Uniforms.
The Jazz were 2-1 against the Los Angeles Clippers during the regular season. They won by 6-points and 18-points in the first two matchups, before losing by 4 in the final showdown.
It was announced that Vivint Smart Home Arena will be at full-capacity for the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Masks are still required. Tickets are on sale now and can be found here.
The Utah Jazz finished the regular season with a 52-20 record, and obtained the number one overall seed. They are currently 4-1 in postseason play. The Jazz will take on the fourth seed Los Angeles Clippers in round two and will have home court advantage throughout the entirety of the NBA Playoffs.
Jordan Clarkson became the Utah Jazz first ever Sixth Man of the Year Award winner, beating out teammate Joe Ingles and New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose. The announcement was made on TNT, and Ingles helped present the award. Read more about it here.
It was announced that Rudy Gobert is the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, beating out Ben Simmons (76ers) and Draymond Green (Warriors) for the award. This is Gobert's third time winning the honor, taking home the award in 2018 and 2019 as well. Read more about the Jazz second award winner here.
It was announced that Quin Snyder took third place in the NBA's Coach of the Year voting. Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks won the award, and Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns came in second place.
Whichever team wins the series between the Jazz and Clippers will take on the winner of the Phoenix Suns (2-0) and the Denver Nuggets (0-2) in the Western Conference Finals.
Injury Report:
Mike Conley (right hamstring strain) is listed as 'out' for the Jazz in game two of the Western Conference Semifinals. He is currently the only player on the Jazz injury report.
Serge Ibaka (back) is the only Clippers player on their injury report, and as of Thursday morning, he is listed as 'out' against the Jazz.
The betting odds for Game one between the Jazz and Clippers:
Line: Utah -3
Over/Under: 222.5
Money Line: Utah -150 / Los Angeles +130
How to Consume:
The (1) Utah Jazz will take on the (4) Los Angeles Clippers in round two of the Western Conference Playoffs. Game two will tip off at 8:00 pm MST. Jazz fans can watch the game on ESPN, and can also tune into the game on 97.5FM or 1280AM.
Donovan Mitchell (45) scores over Nicolas Batum (33)
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