Utah Jazz steamroll shorthanded Timberwolves

Let’s be honest: the Utah Jazz were supposed to win this game. They would have been favored to win a matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves even if they’d been at full strength. Without Karl-Anthony Towns or D’Angelo Russell in the lineup, the Timberwolves more closely resemble Chiwawa’s. The Jazz came away with a comfortable 120-108 victory in last night’s action.

Not that they were without any absences. Mike Conley rested for this contest, and Joe Ingles sat to rehab a back injury. Nonetheless, the Jazz are one of the deepest teams in the National Basketball Association. The Wolves, while talented, are more reliant on their young stars.

Meanwhile, one young star on the Utah Jazz made a triumphant return to action.

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell dominant in return

It’s hard to know what kind of production you’ll get from an average player returning from an injury. Donovan Mitchell is more resilient than your average player.

Mitchell had one of his best games of the season in this contest, finishing with 39 points on 12/21 shooting from the field, including 6/11 shooting from three point range. He also chipped in 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

Mitchell had his full range of offensive abilities on display in this game. He was knifing to the basket with unbridled confidence, pulling up for unassisted threes, and setting up teammates when this Timberwolves defense paid him too much attention. It was a masterful performance.

Still, Mitchell didn’t singularly carry the Jazz to victory in this contest.

Utah Jazz get quality performances across the board

Just about everybody in a Jazz uniform was on-point in this contest. Bojan Bogdanovic had 24 points and 12 rebounds. His effort on the glass had him looking like a traditional 4, but his 3/6 accuracy from downtown reminded everyone of his true identity.

Rudy Gobert showed up for work as usual. He finished with 14 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks. In Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence,  the Timberwolve ran with Nazir Reid as their starting center. He’s a valuable role player, but at 6’9, he was ill-equipped to handle Gobert in the middle. Recent 10-day signing Greg Monroe did a better job with the Stifle Tower, but he’s still not an ideal matchup.

Jordan Clarkson continued what’s been a strong stretch of play lately. He finished with 20 points while shooting 8/18 from the field. Rudy Gay chipped in 12 points on 4/8 shooting.

It was a well-rounded performance from a well-rounded team. The Utah Jazz can’t afford to celebrate this victory too much: they square off with the Golden State Warriors tonight.