Utah Jazz put on a defensive clinic in win over Charlotte Hornets

The Utah Jazz entered into last night’s contest knowing they were up against one of the best offensive teams in the NBA. They also evidently knew that, while their own offense was even higher octane, they’d benefit from clamping down against the Charlotte Hornets.

They were able to do exactly that, holding the league’s third-rated offense (113.87 Offensive Rating) to a modest 102 points.

Utah Jazz Win With Defense

LaMelo Ball was roughly himself in this contest (one embarrassing moment notwithstanding). He finished the game with 21 points on 8/20 shooting and 11 assists. It was the prodigious young playmakers’ teammates who were unable to keep pace.

Breakout star Miles Bridges had 21 points, but he shot an unfortunate 2/9 from three-point range. Terry Rozier’s 20 points came on 7/19 shooting from the field. Jaden McDaniels had an impressive 14 points on 6/8 shooting from the field, but otherwise, no Hornet even made a meaningful offensive contribution in this game.

All told, the Hornets shot 34.9% from the field in this contest. The Utah Jazz hustled to close out almost every three-point attempt in this contest. They were sharp and communicative, refusing to miss rotations on the perimeter.

All of which was made easier by their consistent interior dominance.

Utah Jazz Dominate Inside

It wasn’t exactly difficult to predict this outcome. The Charlotte Hornets may be in the market for a center, but until they acquire one, Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz should be happy to host them any time. The Stifle Tower finished this game with 23 points and 21 rebounds.

Granted, he only shot 4/10 from the field, but his nearly perfect 15/16 shooting from the freethrow line was more significant. All Mason Plumlee (or for that matter, the much smaller Jaden McDaniels or P.J. Washington) could do in a futile attempt to stop Gobert was foul him.

On the defensive end, Gobert had whatever position he wanted at any given time. His interior dominance allowed the rest of the Jazzmen some room to roam on the defensive end. It may be true that small ball formations have given Gobert trouble in the past. Last night, he proved why more often than not, teams using them will be on the receiving end of punishment.

Utah Jazz Almost Blow Massive Lead

The Jazz got out to a dominant start in the first quarter of this contest, finishing it up with a 35-16 lead. By the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, you would not have known it.

With 3:30 remaining on the block, Kelly Oubre Jr hit a mid-range jumper to put the Hornets up 92-91. That was the last lead the Hornets would have, as the Jazz refused to let this one get away from them.

It just might have been a little too close for the comfort of fans in the Vivint Arena.

At the end of the day, Utah Jazz fans won’t concern themselves with how the sausage is made. Their Jazzmen put it on their plate. They’ll hope for similar success when the team squares off with the Timberwolves on December 23.