NBA Playoffs 2019: Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz Game 2 live stream: Watch online

By Ian Levy | Apr 17, 2019

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 14: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz drives around Danuel House Jr. #4 of the Houston Rockets during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center on April 14, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

The Jazz tried an extreme defensive strategy on James Harden in Game 1 and it did nothing to slow the Rockets down. Can they adjust in Game 2?

In Game 1, the Utah Jazz went out of their way to force James Harden in one direction, trying to funnel him into the help defense. Although it kept him off the free throw line it didn’t really work at all and he carved them up for 29 points and 10 assists. The Rockets’ shooters showed up, making 36.6 percent of their 3-pointers and seven different players scored in double figures.

Just as concerning for the Jazz should be their inability to score at the other end. Donovan Mitchell struggled when getting into the teeth of the defense and Utah’s bigs couldn’t do much to open space for dribble penetration with their screens. Rudy Gobert finished with just one screen assist (the only one in the game for the Jazz), after averaging leading the league with 5.9 per game during the regular season. Derrick Favors averaged another 1.9 per game in the regular season but came up with zero in Game 1.

Houston will be looking to replicate their formula in Game 2, keep their shooters in rhythm and building defensive momentum with communication and effort. For Utah, it’s time to start trying something new.

Below is everything you’ll need to watch Game 2.

Date: Wednesday, Apr. 17
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Houston, TX
Venue: Toyota Center
TV Info: TNT
Live Stream: Qualified subscribers can watch on the WatchTNT app or on FuboTV (sign-up for a free trial).

Next. All live stream info in one place. dark

Utah has a strong homecourt advantage but they can’t win this series if they can’t take at least one game on the road. Disrupting Houston’s momentum and confidence in Game 2 could go along way towards bringing what was supposed to be a competitive first-round series back into balance.

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