There’s no place like home for the Utah Jazz.
Finally, a strong game from the Utah Jazz. It’s about time. Even if it’s against the woeful Memphis Grizzlies, it’s a welcome sight.
The Utah Jazz opened up a 33-point lead by the half. The ball moved, the shots dropped (over 60% shooting), and assists were plentiful (20). The 3-point shooting was phenomenal – 14 for 21 at the half.
Memphis looked a bit tired, though they were physical throughout the game, which included a Flagrant 1 on Marcus Smart. Also, a scary fall by Keyonte George under the basket in the 3rd quarter had the Jazz fans gasping, though he ended up okay.
Memphis closed things a bit in the 3rd, showing some fight and outscoring the Jazz 33-25 as the game became a bit sloppy.
Midway through the 4th quarter, Memphis waved the white flag, and both teams emptied their benches, much to the delight of the home crowd, as the Jazz closed things out. No player on either team played more than 28 minutes, a sign of how lopsided the game was.
Collin Sexton led the team with 23 points and 6 assists, while Jordan Clarkson had 20 points in 26 minutes, followed by Lauri Markkanen’s 19 and John Collins with 16. All 12 Jazz players that played scored.
Memphis was led by Desmond Bane with 21 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. with 19. The Grizzlies attempted 54 three-point shots but only made 14 of them.
The Jazz now have Orlando coming in on Thursday night, then they will depart on a road trip to play Minnesota, Chicago, and Indiana before the In-Season Tournament begins at Memphis. Then the Jazz will return home on November 14th to face the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2nd game of the tournament.
After the tough teams they faced so far, this stretch provides some winnable games, and the Jazz need to take advantage of it.