Utah was able to tie their series up last night with a 102-95 win over the Thunder. Rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 28 points and Ricky Rubio had a great game with 22, 9, and 7. The deciding factor was definitely Utah’s stellar defense. That has been their identity all season and it did not disappoint last night. They held all of OKC’s big three to under 20 points and only allowed the Thunder to shoot 40% from the field and 31% from three while forcing 13 turnovers. Keeping OKC under 100 points is the key. If they can keep up this defensive pace they will be in good shape, especially as the series heads back to Utah.
Ricky Rubio has this team playing really good offensive basketball as well. He was the missing piece. He allows Mitchell to work off the ball and has become a great facilitator for Derrick Favors, who pitched in 20 and 16 boards last night as well. Utah is looking like one of the most complete teams in the playoffs right now. Especially with their ability to close out games. They looked real strong in the fourth, outscoring OKC 28-16. Mitchell is showing poise well beyond his years and OKC still can’t seem to figure out their offense. All that talent keeps getting in its own way. They better figure it out quick, because Utah definitely has their game figured out.
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