The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz-Los Angeles Lakers react: Rubio’s big night gives Jazz key victory

By Zachary Padmore

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 3: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 3, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 3: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 3, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

 The playoff push continued for the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night as they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 117-110 thanks to a big game from Ricky Rubio.

Ricky Rubio has stepped up for the Utah Jazz all season long and did it again last night. Rubio finished Tuesday’s contest against the Los Angeles Lakers with 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting. It was his fourth 30-plus point game of the year. His offensive improvement has been a great story this season.

The Lakers jumped out to a 9-0 start, and it seemed like at times during this entire game that they just simply couldn’t miss. They pushed the pace all night and got an impressive showing from former University of Utah Ute Kyle Kuzma.

Kuzma, the rookie sensation who was drafted 27th overall, finished with 26 points and six rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also gave the Jazz problems, scoring 28 points in 40 tough minutes.

Rubio wasn’t the only one killing it last night for the Jazz. His backcourt running mate Donovan Mitchell had his 10th 20-plus point game in a row, finishing with 26 on the night. He continues to amaze everyone in his rookie season.

Utah played well offensively last night. They got contributions from everyone and sank 14 three-pointers. Defensively, they weren’t sharp or crisp like they usually are, but they still got the job done.

The Lakers are banged up right now, playing without Lonzo Ball, Isaiah Thomas and Brandon Ingram. Nevertheless, they still compete and play a brand of basketball that is difficult to guard. They’ve shown improvements this season and gave the Jazz a fight last night.

Next: Utah Jazz: Trey Lyles has officially solidified himself as a villain in SLC

The Jazz are now 45-33 on the year with just four games left in the regular season. Each game is so important as the Jazz look to get into the playoffs for the second consecutive season. They will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, which figures to be the biggest game of the season to date.

Home/Jazz News