The Jazz have essentially build a defense that relies on his help defense. Throughout the season they were the best at defending the perimeter from a percentage perspective, and that was because they close out so hard to take away the shot and don’t mind getting beat. Why? Cause Rudy will help and clean up the paint.

Problem with 5 out or small ball.. when Rudy helps, he is leaving his man on the perimeter, instead of leaving a bit a few feet away. He cannot get back to cover when the driver kicks the ball.

It’s a great scheme against more traditional teams. But with teams like the Clippers with a ton of long athletic shooting wings, it’s a recipe for disaster. Thing is.. shooters are getting better, and more teams with emulate the Clippers style going forward, especially in the playoffs against the Jazz. If they want to win it all, they need to adjust.

So what do the Jazz do? Does Rudy need to add an element to his defensive game? Does he just help less? Do the Jazz close out less on the 3 and try to keep their man in front of them? I’m afraid this roster doesn’t have the defensive talent to do that right now.