Donovan Mitchell, Jazz Beat Thunder in Game 3; Ricky Rubio Triple-Doubles
The Utah Jazz rode their fourth-quarter momentum from Wednesday to a second straight victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, 115-102, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series.
Ricky Rubio continues to be a beacon of light for the Jazz. The veteran point guard followed up his 22-point effort in Game 2 with a triple-double consisting of 26 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell added 22 points and 11 rebounds in the win.
The Jazz were much more comfortable at home during the regular season, winning 28 games in Salt Lake City. They used that advantage against a Thunder team that continues to struggle with consistency.
After averaging a career-high 13.1 points per game during the regular season, Rubio has found another level in the playoffs. His triple-double put him in exclusive company in Jazz postseason history, per Eric Woodyard of the Deseret News:
During one stretch of the second quarter, Rubio scored 14 of 15 points to help the Jazz take the lead:
Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley highlighted one thing he noticed that has helped Rubio succeed as a shooter this season:
FanRag Sports' Zach Harper had one request for this game involving Rubio:
Harper will have the chance to be obnoxious because Russell Westbrook had a game to forget. The reigning NBA MVP had 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting with eight turnovers in 37 minutes. This is his second straight game in the series shooting under 40 percent.
ESPN's Royce Young had this assessment of Westbrook's game through three games against the Jazz:
Oklahoma City has been out of sorts on offense since the fourth quarter of Game 2. Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony combined to score two points on 0-of-14 in the last 12 minutes of that game.
Things didn't get much better for the Thunder on Saturday. George was the only one of their trio to score in the fourth quarter, chipping in seven of the team's 27 points. Westbrook didn't attempt a shot after missing a three-pointer with 3:12 remaining in the third quarter.
ESPN's Micah Adams offered a stat showing how difficult things have been for Westbrook late in games this series:
One problem for the Thunder, as Inside Hoops jokingly noted, is their offense is predictable:
The Jazz, on the other hand, seemingly make a point to get everyone involved. All five starters scored in double figures, and the team had 25 assists on 42 made field goals.
Raymond Felton was Oklahoma City's most efficient offensive player in defeat. The 33-year-old scored 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting in 21 minutes off the bench.
The Thunder need to regroup quickly if they want to avoid digging themselves a massive hole in the series. Developing a rhythm on offense and stopping Rubio will be the biggest tasks for head coach Billy Donovan.
The Jazz were able to thrive off the home crowd and will have that in their back pocket for Monday's Game 4 as they look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
