Clippers vs. Jazz Post Game 1

Joe Johnson game winner

What a game! The Jazz go to Los Angeles and steal game 1. If that was not impressive enough, Rudy Gobert wasn't even playing. WOW! Iso Jo hit the game winning floater over Crawford and Jordan. The young Jazz squads core doesn't have playoff experience and beat the Clippers who have been to 6 straight playoffs. They played with poise and experience. Before the series started the Clippers seemed like the favourite but after the Jazz stole Game 1 all without Gobert it seems they swung the series in their favour. Hopefully Gobert is healthy, otherwise that changes the whole series despite the game 1 win. Both teams have a lot riding on this series.

For the Jazz, Hayward is a free agent and is in high demand. Teams are luring him and frankly some are better poised for the future than the Jazz, like the Celtics who also have a top 3 draft pick and are already a #1 seed, plus they are in the East. So obviously winning this series will help sway Hayward to stay in Utah.

For the Clippers, it seems like this is it. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are both free agents and the Clippers have repeadly fell short in the post season. They have not even reach a Confrence Finals and even if they get through the series they'll be taking on the Warriors who have owned them. So it's safe to say the Clippers need this series.

Its just one game but, the Jazz played harder. Their young core was just competing all game long, maiking everything tough. They're veteran presense just helps the team stay on track. They played a great game and just beat the Clippers. All this without Gobert, who is maybe the most important player on the team with his rim protection. If they get Gobert healthy, I think this series is over in 6. They proved last night they are the better team, with effort and exceution combined with their depth. However, Gobert's status will play a major role in this series.

The upside for the Clippers is that they have Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan. They have a stronger core with more playoff experience. Chris Paul who is still a top 5 point gaurd easily, maybe the best true PG in the game.

If Gobert is healthy I will take the Jazz in 6. I'll take the Clippers in 7 if Gobert is unable to play. But I think the Jazz deserve respect and with home court advantage now I think they have to be favourites for the rest of series.