Jazz's Quin Snyder on Rockets' Chris Paul: 'Probably a Better Coach Than Me'

Prior to the Utah Jazz taking the court against the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their opening-round playoff series Sunday, head coach Quin Snyder opted for the "kill them with kindness" approach.

Snyder suggested that Rockets point guard Chris Paul "is probably a better coach than me," according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.

Utah's fifth-year head coach has the unenviable task of trying to devise a game plan to contain reigning NBA Most Valuable Player James Harden, who posted 29 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in Game 1.

While Paul is a nine-time All-Star and reputable floor general, Snyder has built a respectable body of work while coaching the Jazz. The 52-year-old has Utah in the postseason for the third straight season.

Jazz point guard Donovan Mitchell praised Snyder for his approach last month after he allowed three consecutive three-pointers in a game:

This series is bound to provide plenty of teaching moments for Utah up against an experienced and stacked Rockets squad.

Game 1 was rough for Utah, who lost Sunday night 122-90. However, the regular season was a 2-2 split, so this series is hardly a wrap. Snyder's ability to adapt his strategy for Game 2 and beyond will be paramount.

As for Paul's future in coaching, running the floor as a point guard will be the extent of it, as the 33-year-old told Stadium's Seth Davis back in 2017 that there is "absolutely no chance" he pursues coaching after his playing career concludes.

The Rockets will gladly keep Paul's abilities all to themselves as they look to surpass last season's run to the Western Conference Finals.