Utah Jazz (4) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (5) 

Series Review 

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The 4 vs. 5 matchup out West was a star-filled showdown, though unfortunately one of 2K’s biggest names, Joel Embiid was unavailable for the entire series. In typical Embiid fashion, his 2K durability mirrored his real-life health struggles, and the Jazz were forced to battle without their MVP-level big man. Still, this Utah squad has been knocking on the door for a couple of seasons now, and it’s clear why. At full strength, they’re a nightmare matchup, talented, deep, and with a solid mix of experienced contributors and young players who are only getting better.

On the other side, the Timberwolves were built around two of the best two-way players in the game in Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler. Despite some outside noise about the state of this roster and how it was left by the previous GM, Shay inherited a very competitive squad, and to his credit, he’s handled it well. He didn’t make a ton of moves, but the trades he did pull off were smart and helped fill in the gaps with reliable 2K talent.

Let’s not forget, Shay came into this job as a well-known Jimmy Butler hater. That opinion may not have completely changed, but after seeing Butler deliver game after game, it’s safe to say there’s probably at least a little more respect on that name now.

 Game 1: Minnesota 108 @ Utah 104

Game 1 was tightly contested between the two sides.  Utah held a 3 point lead at the half over the Timberwolves 51-48.  Minnesota then surged back in the 3rd with a 32 - 22 point quarter, giving them a 7 point lead heading into the fourth.  Utah tried to make a run at it in the 4th, but ultimately fell short with the Minnesota superstars carrying their team over the line.  Anthony Davis with a stellar 36 point, 17 rebound night, accompanied by Jimmy with 29 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, when those two are humming like that, they’re going to be hard to beat.  Porzingis and Harden both had great nights with 27 points each, while Dyson Daniels also chipped in a handy 21.  The rebound advantage of Minnesota was just too much to overcome, winning the battle of the boards 56 to 37. 

Player of the game: Anthony Davis 

Game 2: Minnesota 110 @ Utah 102

In game 2 we see a more tightly contested game on the glass with Minnesota eeking out a 44-39 advantage, far closer than what it was in game 1.  James Harden also showed up for the home side in a huge way, pouring in 45 points on 15-29 shooting from the floor.  The Unicorn Kristaps, did his best to be a deterrent on the defensive end, swatting 5 shots in the contest as well.  However, the dynamite duo for the wolves were up and about again, combining for 61 points.  While the stars did the heavy lifting, the supporting cast for the wolves did the rest to get them over the line and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series as they head back to Minny. 

Player of the game: Anthony Davis 

Game 3: Utah 122 @ Minnesota 100

UTAAAAH bounced back in DOMINANT fashion in game 3, securing a 22 point win on the opposition's home court.  The Jazz played all the right notes with James Harden dropping an uber efficient 41 on just 23 shots, we also see Franz Wagner arrive to the party with 26 points including 4-5 from 3.  Utah ratcheted up the defence in this one, totalling 15 steals, which would’ve lead to a tonne of fast break opportunities.  The two stars for Minnesota, were both good in the game, but the supporting cast was not, ultimately, leading to a blow out win for the Jazz. 

Player of the game: James Harden 

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Game 4: Utah 122 @ Minnesota 124

Game 4 sees our first overtime game of the series. Again, we see James Harden up and about for his third 40 point game in a row.  Zinger and Franz both chipped in 20 points a piece.  On the other side of the ballot, we have the Cole Anthony legacy game!  26 points, 6 rebound and 4 assists, while the big dog at the 4 AD was good for a 38 point, 19 rebound, 5 assists and 4 blocks night, gaudy numbers.  To cap it all off, James Harden ties the game with 10 seconds to go, no timeouts for Minnesota, they inbound the ball, come down the court, Jimmy Butler who has been relatively quiet, hits the game winner with 1 second remaining on the clock to break the hearts of the Jazz and fans and take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. 

Player of the game: Anthony Davis 

Game 5: Minnesota 114 @ Utah 107

With a chance to move on to the next round Anthony Davis stood up and put the wolves on his back in game 5.  AD had an insane night 35 points, 21 rebounds and 3 blocks.  Jimmy was again a great support act in the AD show, going for 24 points and 8 assists, Big Val also had himself a night with 9 points and 19 boards.  Harden and Wagner combined for 69 points, which was a valiant effort but ultimately fell short in game 5 for the Jazz. 

Player of the game: Anthony Davis 

Player of the series: Anthony Davis 

34.8 points, 16.8 rebounds, 1,6 steals, 2.2 blocks.  These are insane numbers from the Timberwolves superstar, extremely impressive stuff from the big man.  If Davis can carry this form through the rest of the Timberwolves playoff run, who knows how far they could go.  

All the best to GM Shay the rest of the way and to GM Jase through the offseason, no doubt you will have the Jazz playing the right tune next year and look even more formidable than this season.