Donovan Mitchell’s horrible night summed up the Jazz’s futility in Game 3. What is he going to do about it?
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts to the loss. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
The Utah Jazz guard, surrounded by reporters Friday morning, was asked for his thoughts on Philadelphia rookie Ben Simmons’ one-point performance the night before. Mitchell has traded some barbs with Simmons over which of the two should be the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, but he didn’t pile on this time. Mitchell instead recalled ugly playoff performances by LeBron James and James Harden early in their careers.
“It happens to everybody,” the Utah Jazz’s star rookie said. “… You can’t play great every night. It’s not as easy as some people think.”
Mitchell sat in silence at his locker a few hours later, staring off into the distance, a bummer of a prophecy fulfilled. It had happened to him, too.
There will be plenty to learn as the Jazz go over the film from their miserable Game 3 loss to the Houston Rockets, a 113-92 blowout in front of a raucous Salt Lake City crowd. Their typically stalwart defense was missing from the start, allowing 39 points in the first quarter. They looked shellshocked on offense, stumbling through sets. Not one of Utah’s five starters attempted a free throw.
And after his worst performance of the postseason — a game in which the Rockets outscored the Jazz by 31 points during his time on the floor — Mitchell shouldered the blame himself and promised to turn around things for Sunday’s Game 4.
“I would have been better off just not showing up,” Mitchell said, his team now trailing 2-1 in this second-round series. “That’s what I did; I didn’t show up at all for my teammates. I’ll fix it.”
It is unfair to put so much on one player, especially one so young. But Mitchell, who has been sensational during his rookie season and his first trip to the NBA playoffs, knows how much his team relies on him and how little he can afford to have an off night.
“That can’t happen,” he said.
Nearly every player in a Utah uniform struggled to deal with the Rockets as Houston turned up its defensive intensity, knocking the Jazz out of their comfort zones on the court. Joe Ingles, coming off a career night in Game 2, went 2 for 10 from the floor. Jae Crowder, Alec Burks and Dante Exum never were able to provide much spark off the bench.
And Mitchell looked completely out of sorts with Houston shading him to his weaker left hand and forcing him into tough looks in the paint. The Jazz guard finished Game 3 with 10 points, keeping alive a double-digit scoring streak he’d been riding since February, but he shot just 4 for 16 from the field and went 0 for 8 on contested field goals.
“I’m taking terrible shots,” Mitchell said. “… I can’t just shoot terrible shots. That’s what leads to their transition [offense]. I don’t know how many shots I missed, but they were terrible shots.”
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Jazz head coach Quin Snyder speaks about Donovan Mitchell's put back dunk in game 2 during the press conference prior to game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni speaks about how Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles' game was "sneaky" during the press conference prior to game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni speaks about how Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles' game was "sneaky" during the press conference prior to game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) warms up as the Utah Jazz get ready take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Fans cheer on the team as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) talks with assistant coach Zach Guthrie as the Utah Jazz get ready to take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio (3) shoots around the court as the Utah Jazz get ready to take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is alone with his thoughts during the national anthem prior to game 3. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio (3) sits on the bench during the first period as The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) is introduced. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) tries to block the shot of Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (4) during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio (3) loos on from the bench during a disastrous first half. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Pre game introductions. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) tries to block the shot of Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) looks back to see Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) make a reverse layup during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) takes his usual pre game leap off the chairs during warm ups. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) is fouled during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) tries to block the shot of Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Fans have fun with the "Take Note" banner during pre game. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives in for an easy shot during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) shoots after driving through the Houston defense during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder yells to his team during a disastrous first half. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) tries to disrupt the 3-point shot of Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) defends Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Jazz fans have fun during a time out. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) slices in for an easy layup during first half play. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes the court prior to game 3 against the Jazz. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
The "Take Note" banner is displayed by fans prior to game 3. The Houston Rockets led the Utah Jazz 70-40 at the half of game 3, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) had 10 points and 8 assists in the first half as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) encircles Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) knocks the ball from Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) is charged with a foul as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Fans cheer on a dunk by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz center Ekpe Udoh (33) and the bench celebrate the play of Utah Jazz forward Royce O'Neale (23) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) knocks the ball from Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is denied the shot by Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) makes a save as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Jazz try to get back on the board as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) gets some encouragement from Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) shoots around Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) tries to get past Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz forward Royce O'Neale (23) hits the net as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder talks with Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder questions a call by official Ron Garretson as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) fights to get past Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) and Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks on Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3)as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) denies Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) had 12 points and 5 assists in the first half as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Fans offer words of caution as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) fights past Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) is pressured by Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Rockets take the court as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) was held to 6 points in the first half as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) was held to 2 points in the first half as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) fights past Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) as the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) reacts as he sits on the bench in the 4th quarter. The Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-92 in game 3 of their playoff series, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) calls for a two shot foul from the referees during second half play. The Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-92 in game 3 of their playoff series, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) battles under the hoop during second half play. The Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-92 in game 3 of their playoff series, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) drives during second half play. The Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-92 in game 3 of their playoff series, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) tries to get a could call from referee Marc Davis during second half play. The Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-92 in game 3 of their playoff series, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) drives for a layup against Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) during second half play. The Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-92 in game 3 of their playoff series, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Jazz fans who stayed till the end of the game try to make shooting free throws difficult during second half play. The Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-92 in game 3 of their playoff series, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune)
A sight seen often for Jazz fans - Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) at the foul line. The Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-92 in game 3 of their playoff series, Friday, May 4, 2018.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) reacts to the loss. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) and Utah Jazz center Ekpe Udoh (33) pressure Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) for a turnover. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (4) pressures Utah Jazz forward Jonas Jerebko (8) and Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25). The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Rockets bench in the remaining minutes of the game. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) gets the ball knocked away by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27). The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts to the loss. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives around Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11). The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets forward Tarik Black (28) fouls Utah Jazz center Ekpe Udoh (33). The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) knocks the ball away from Utah Jazz forward Royce O'Neale (23) The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) battles Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25). The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45), Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) react to the loss. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) had 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) screens Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) for teammate Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10). The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) drives to the net around Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27). The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder talks with the bench in the second half. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts to second half play. The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 in Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Friday, May 4, 2018 in Salt Lake City.
The Jazz hope point guard Ricky Rubio can return to the starting lineup after missing three straight games with a hamstring injury. If not, Mitchell will have to find a way to adjust and run the Jazz offense in his stead. The rookie masterfully handed out 11 assists in Game 2. The Rockets reminded everyone how new Mitchell is to all of this one game later.
“I think the biggest thing is my mindset has always been aggressive,” Mitchell said. “Now they’re playing me a certain way, where I have to be able to make passes that I just didn’t make the entire game.”
Crowder had a positive message for the rookie two lockers over after a disappointing Game 3.
“You can’t hang your head. He knows that,” the veteran forward said. “You can’t expect him to make every shot, can’t expect him to make every play. Our effort level as a unit, not just him but everybody, has to pick up.”
But if the Jazz want a chance to even this series Sunday, Mitchell and his teammates know the turnaround will have to start with the rookie.
“It puts a lot of pressure on Donovan’s shoulders,” Jazz center Rudy Gobert said. “He’s been great. He’s been working hard and trying to lead this team. … I know he’s blaming himself for the loss, but I know he’s going to come back next game and do amazing things.”
HOUSTON ROCKETS AT UTAH JAZZ <br>Where • Vivint Smart Home Arena <br>Tipoff • 6 p.m. Sunday <br>TV • TNT <br>Radio • 1280 AM, 97.5 FM <br>Series • Rockets lead 2-1 <br>About the Rockets • Houston woke up in Game 3, blitzing the Jazz for 39 points in the first quarter and cruising to a 113-92 victory. … James Harden is averaging 30.4 points and 8.4 assists per game during the playoffs. … Rockets center Clint Capela had four blocks in Game 3; Houston is 24-0 when he blocks three or more shots. <br>About the Jazz • Rookie Royce O’Neale was one of the few bright spots for the Jazz on Friday. He led the team with 17 points starting in place of the injured Ricky Rubio. … Forward Derrick Favors left Game 3 with a sprained ankle, and his status for Sunday’s game has yet to be determined. … Were outshot by Houston 48.8 percent to 41.7 percent in Game 3 and committed 16 turnovers to the Rockets’ nine.