And jazz exploded in flight…
After 24 minutes, Jazz was ahead against the Thunder. Certainly by a small point, but after scoring 44 points in the first quarter. No one has penetrated Oklahoma City’s defense that much in one quarter this season. Half way done, all we have to do is face the reaction of the current champions. Because it will get there eventually.
“It was good for us to have this test. We didn’t start the match well, but we wanted to correct that. We always believe in ourselves and know that the match is 48 minutes.”, reminds Ajay Mitchell. And for jazz, that’s too long…
“It was like we were watching two different games”, notes Will Hardy. “We played with the best team in the league and we were leading at the break. So we played 24 very good minutes and in the third quarter, especially towards the end, we collapsed. Mostly because of turnovers.”
It’s a defeat actually difficult (144-112), but the most important number is the Thunder’s “rush” in the second half: 33-4, with 22 points in a row! Will Hardy’s men lost 15 balls after the break (28 in total, which the 2025 champion converted into 44 points) and the defense took water.
Don’t sink in weak times
Simply put, nothing worked anymore, unlike the success of the first period. “Collectively, we continue to struggle with our concentration and, more so, our ability to refocus”analyzed by Jazz Coach. “There will certainly be weak moments when things go wrong. Are we able to refocus, to play well at both ends of the pitch, instead of getting away from our goal?”
Utah lost its thread, like so many other teams against the Thunder’s defense, and never found it again. But losing halftime leads also happens against weaker teams (against Los Angeles or recently Minnesota), which Lauri Markkanen regrets.
“Now it happens too often and everyone is tired of it”assures the Finn. “We will look at the pictures and try to find a solution. We were ahead at the break. We played well. We have to keep our concentration, continue to apply the instructions for as many minutes as possible.”
2025-11-22 10:14:00
