In the series opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, OKC pushed the Jazz around. They took Utah out of its offense, and eventually took control in the fourth quarter to pull away.
More than X’s and O’s and making shots, Crowder and the Jazz vowed to get back into the series with toughness. In winning two consecutive games heading into Monday night’s Game 4, the Jazz pushed back when they have been pushed. They’ve dived for loose balls. They’ve returned trash talk. They’ve risen — and so far surpassed — the challenge from a team that’s aggressive and athletic.