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NBA highlights on June 12: Clippers smash Jazz to keep series alive
Li Xiang
Paul George (R) of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 12, 2021. /CFP

Paul George (R) of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 12, 2021. /CFP

The Los Angeles Clippers walked over the Utah Jazz 132-106 at Staples Center on Saturday, turning the series score into a hopeful 2-1 deficit instead of a desperate 3-0.

Offensively, there was no secret to the Clippers' victory – they simply buried enough 3-pointers (19) at remarkable rate (52.78 percent). Paul George, Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum went 6-10, 5-6 and 4-6 from downtown respectively. Kawhi Leonard did not share their boiling hands outside but he was 13-18 within the 3-point line and shot an incredible 7-10 in the paint.

Despite the above-average individual defense of most of their players, the Jazz's top-three defense – allowing 107.2 points per game, the third-fewest in the NBA, and a defensive rating of 108.3, the league's fourth-best – was built on the incredible rim protection of Rudy Gobert. Though Gobert is faster and more agile than most players his size, he is, after all, a 2.16-meter giant. Therefore, having the player he defends rain 3-pointers, especially from the top of the arc, will hit the Jazz where it really hurts.

Kawhi Leonard (#2) of the Los Angeles Clippers defends Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center, June 12, 2021. /CFP

Kawhi Leonard (#2) of the Los Angeles Clippers defends Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center, June 12, 2021. /CFP

Compared with the lucky but also natural explosion on offense, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue gave some thought to his team's defense – more specifically, how to limit Donovan Mitchell.

The Clippers' zone defense in Game 2 worked well but coach Lue decided to go further. Two-time Defensive Player of the Year Leonard was defending Mitchell from the beginning and there was often another player joining him in a double-team before Mitchell started accelerating to launch attack.

Of course, such defensive tactics did not really tame Mitchell. He was caught off guard in the first quarter, going 0-3 in field goals. But later Mitchell scored 30 points before leaving the game due to ankle pain in Q4. His speed, explosiveness and strength allowed him to charge through the Clippers’ defensive line by force.

Donovan Mitchell (#45) of the Utah Jazz drives toward the rim in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center, June 12, 2021. /CFP

Donovan Mitchell (#45) of the Utah Jazz drives toward the rim in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center, June 12, 2021. /CFP

But Lue's game plan found success as the Clippers severed Utah's offensive connection. Unlike Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, Mitchells lacks the ability to find an open teammate under the rim with a bullet pass while facing a double-team. As a result, he had to give the ball to another teammate next to him. During the regular season, the Jazz moved the ball efficiently. However, as the Clippers switched up their defensive looks so frequently, many of the Jazz's passes became pointless. Their 3-point shooting (19-44) was still good, but the team lost many opportunities for easy points within the arc.

Mitchell said he felt fine with his ankle. "I feel like I was able to go back, but no need to risk it down 16, 18 at that point. I'll be fine," he said. The team cannot afford to lose him at the moment since he shoulders more than half of their offensive burden. Jordan Clarkson can make key contributions when he shoots to kill, but neither him nor Bojan Bogdanovic shows much intention to pass. Joe Ingles may be the best orchestrator the Jazz have now but he lacks the will to score. Gobert can only do limited offensive work. Unfortunately, neither posting up nor scoring by himself belongs to that category.

Mike Conley (L) of the Utah Jazz talks to his teammate Rudy Gobert in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center, June 12, 2021. /CFP

Mike Conley (L) of the Utah Jazz talks to his teammate Rudy Gobert in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center, June 12, 2021. /CFP

The Jazz need Mike Conley to come back. He has been absent from all three games of the series because of a right hamstring strain. The sooner he can return to normal form, the sooner the Jazz can enrich their offensive options.

As for the Clippers, the process and result of Game 3 prove that Lue made the right choice going small with their squad and sticking to zone defense. Nonetheless, George will be their biggest variable. No one knows how he will perform in the next game.

Game 4 will take place at Staples Center on June 14.

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