After a memorable summer, the Thunder are in extreme danger of their second straight unceremonious exit from the playoffs. The Jazz absolutely took it to OKC on Monday night, holding homecourt in 113–96 win to take a 3–1 lead in their first-round series. Thanks in large part to stifling defense—and an incredibly balanced offense—the Jazz appear on the verge of a second-round breakthrough.
Game 4 was a contrast in styles. All five Jazz starters scored in double figures, as the ball whipped around the perimeter and Utah poked and prodded the OKC defense. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 33 points, but everyone in the starting unit made important contributions.