4) March 28th vs. Los Angeles – Hood and Jazz Hand Kobe Worst Loss Ever
Utah Jazz 123 – Los Angeles Lakers 75
Looking at the score of this game, it might seem like it doesn’t quite fit with the others on the list. However, the historical significance of the game is what makes it qualify.
Though it seems a futile thing to celebrate after all the years of being defeated at the hands of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, the fact that the Jazz will forever stand in history as the team that handed both the franchise and their recently retired star player their worst loss ever is still somewhat refreshing.
Yes, Kobe was old and the Lakers team was pathetic, but Jazz fans have to rely on little victories to get by.
And despite being an absolute blowout, the game was fun. Rodney Hood came out guns blazing as he converted on 11 of 13 from the field and 8 of 9 from deep to finish the first half (and the game) with 30 points.
The Jazz outscored the Lakers in every quarter including jumping out to an 18-point lead at the end of the first. Utah benefited from significant contributions up and down the roster as the team demolished the lackluster Lakers.
Meanwhile, Kobe had his hands so full with Hood that he finished the game with just five points on 1 of 11 shooting – exactly the way Jazz fans wanted to see him go out in his final game in Salt Lake City.
Next: No. 3