NBA Playoffs 2017: Utah Jazz advance, fans react on Twitter

Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) sets a screen on Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives to the basket in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Jazz defeated the Clippers 104-91 in Game 7 of their series. They advance to the second round for the first time since the 2009-10 season with the victory.

It was a close series throughout, which is why these two teams needed seven games. Jazz fans were hoping a young group would come together and inspire Gordon Hayward to stay as they advance. For Los Angeles, this series was very much about staying together as well. The loser had a lot at stake, which is why it is so surprising how this game went.

Through two quarters of play, Utah opened up a 44-39 lead. They came out on fire in the second half and eventually opened up a 21 point lead. It became evident at this point that the Jazz would beat the Clippers and secure the Game 7 win. Fans and reporters reflected during the second half on Twitter as Los Angeles became the first NBA team to ever blow playoff series leads in five consecutive seasons:

Austin Rivers is going to see Jazz backcuts in his nightmares for months.
— Kevin Pelton (@kpelton) April 30, 2017

When you have to pay the repeater tax to keep together a first-round loser pic.twitter.com/RVFSlxRhUV
— Mike Prada. (PRAY-duh) (@MikePradaNBA) April 30, 2017

See, the thing about Chris Paul in the playoff is... pic.twitter.com/OkH1TeYd5U
— The Step Back (@The_Step_Back) April 29, 2017

On the flip side of the Clippers’ collective failures is Utah’s success. Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert placed at All-Star levels this season, and they are deep with both veterans and young players. The upstart squad has been validated in the eyes of many by advancing into the second round, and the NBA has been put on note. A few more Twitter reactions:

Jazz has flight plans to go to Bay Area after Game 7 and packed accordingly for a trip. Utah playing like it expects to dine in Bay tonight.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) April 30, 2017

Thank God the Jazz won, they won't beat the Warriors but at least we'll have a couple good games. Get these Clippers out of my face forever
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) April 30, 2017

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Utah’s victory proves that they will be a power in the Western Conference for years to come. Golden State is heavily favored in the second round and they will be seeking to prove that they can compete with them and send another statement. The Clippers may break up their team over the summer; it takes only one person deciding that they want out for it to happen. Twitter reflects the optimistic and bleak outlooks of the two fan bases after Game 7.

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