The Jazz have a math problem created entirely by James Harden’s unique characteristics. Here’s the problem: Harden shot 39% on stepback threes over the course of the season. That’s a 117 offensive rating. If the Rockets get 117 points per 100 possessions, they will win the majority of those games, certainly enough to get four out of seven in a series.
So the Jazz used the Milwaukee Bucks’ strategy: they stay on Harden’s left hip, preventing him from gathering the ball and taking the stepback three. Doing so just allows Harden to drive to the rim with his right, free and clear.