Series tied 1-1. Game 3, 8 p.m. MDT, ESPN.
NEED TO KNOW: In the first two games, the higher-rebounding team has been the winning team, with Game 1 going to Oklahoma City and Utah taking Game 2. A critical part of this trend will be Thunder
center Steven Adams and his presence on the floor. He played just 22 minutes in Game 2 before fouling out. The Thunder will have to do better against Utah center Rudy Gobert and forward Derrick Favors, who combined for 31 rebounds in Game 2.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Russell Westbrook. He has taken a secondary role at times in this series, but that might change. With Oklahoma City’s inability to close in Game 2 after leading in the fourth quarter,
Westbrook could look to be more of a scorer in Game 3. He’ll need more help from Carmelo Anthony, who has made just 11 of 31 field goals in the series.
PRESSURE IS ON: George. The man who called himself ”Playoff P” before the series began came out with 36 points and eight 3-pointers in the opener. He followed that with a dud, just 18 points on 6 for 21 shooting.
INTRIGUING MATCHUP: Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell vs. Thunder guard Corey Brewer. Mitchell used his speed to slice through the Thunder defense for 13 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter of Game 2 .
He was essentially unstoppable once he decided to stop shooting 3-pointers. The Thunder could be forced to put George on him more if Brewer struggles defensively again.
