THUNDER AT JAZZ
Jazz lead 3-2. Game 6, 8:30 p.m. MDT, ESPN.
NEED TO KNOW: Westbrook finally broke out in Game 5 and took over. Oklahoma City got Utah post players Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors in foul trouble, allowing Westbrook to play his normal aggressive style. Westbrook scored 33 of his 45 points in the second half to help Oklahoma City rally for a 107-99 win. He likely will attack Utah’s bigs going forward, rather than trying to avoid them and settling for jumpers.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Jazz F Jae Crowder. After getting ejected in Game 4, he scored a career playoff-high 27 points in Game 5. He scored 24 points in the entire series before Wednesday’s game. With George focused defensively on Utah star rookie Donovan Mitchell, opportunities likely will be there for Crowder.
PRESSURE IS ON: Thunder F Carmelo Anthony. As OKC was rallying from the 25-point hole, Anthony wasn’t involved. He played 6-1/2 minutes during that run, with zero shots and zero points.
HOME COOKING: Utah has won six straight home games, by an average of nearly 19 points apiece.
