Utah Jazz-New York Knicks: Rudy looks good, Jazz look bad

The post-injury return of Rudy Gobert was spoiled by a two-point defeat at the hands of the visiting New York Knicks.

On Friday night, former Utah Jazz lottery picks Trey Burke and Enes Kanter were back on the hardwood at Vivint Arena. Being members of the visiting New York Knicks and lightning rods for controversy, their welcome from Jazz fans was less than warm.

In the end, though, Burke and Kanter had the last laugh. The Knicks pulled away late to defeat the Jazz 117-115 and spoil Rudy Gobert’s return.

Still, Gobert looked dominant, engaged and impactful on both ends of the floor, if slightly winded. He ended the night with 23 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.

Unfortunately, that effort was not enough to overcome the defensive lapses of his teammates.

Rodney Hood

Rodney Hood also shot well, continuing his hot performance since the “night of the boos.” However, Hood was absent in the fourth quarter, leading to all kinds of speculation and criticism. Turns out, Rodney’s leg was hurting for the past few games and he checked out with an injury.

He started the game over Joe Ingles in what was an interesting shakeup to the starting group. He ended with 18 points while hardly playing in the fourth quarter, which especially hurt as his shooting may have made a difference in the closing minutes.

There’s also mounting rumors and evidence that the Jazz are looking to deal Rodney before the deadline. And the insertion into the starting lineup may lend credibility.

Or perhaps the move was an effort to limit time in which Ricky Rubio and Joe Ingles share the floor.

Recap

The Jazz were actually up by six at halftime and it looked like they were ready to run away with it partway through the second quarter, but NY cut the deficit.

The third quarter is where it fell apart. Credit Jeff Hornacek for finding something that worked and sticking with it. Courtney Lee was very successful with the dribble handoff plays they kept running for him. Tim Hardaway, Jr. led the way for both teams with 31 points on very hot shooting all night.

Mitchell didn’t shoot the ball well at all, but ended with 17 points, seven assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block.

His passing looked incredible, as is usual lately, but this time his teammates were hitting!

The Jazz didn’t win a very winnable game and now get a chance to play again in a back-to-back homestand. Next up is the LA Clippers on Saturday night.