The Clippers beat the Jazz at their own game

All season long, the Utah Jazz have established themselves as one of the fiercest teams in the NBA because of their ability to knock down three-point shots in succession and be great on the defensive-end of the court. 

In Game 3, the Jazz made 19 of their 44 three-point shots, shooting 43.2%, but the Clippers “one-upped” them by making 19 three-pointers as well, but on only 36 attempts, 52.8% from deep. It seemed like during the second-half that when the Clippers took an outside shot, it was going to fall, which was a big advantage for them in this game. 

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Paul George knocked down a team-high six three-pointers, but Reggie Jackson knocked down five big threes and Luke Kennard added two of his own off-the-bench to aid in Los Angeles’ three-point shooting barrage. 

Not only did the Clippers equal out the Jazz in terms of three-point shooting, but they solidified their success on the offensive-end of the court by being great defensively. The Clippers only allowed 16 made baskets inside the paint and did a really good job at contesting Utah’s shots without fouling them every possession. 

Knocking down three-point shots definitely helped the Clippers pull out a victory in this one, but locking-in defensively helped them seal the deal. If they can continue to defend at a high-level and limit those around Donovan Mitchell, then the Clippers could easily even up this series at 2-2 heading into Game 5 in Utah.