Memphis gets revenge on the Utah Jazz
By Dan Lower
After back-to-back wins over the New Orleans Hornets at home, the Utah Jazz headed on the road for their 3rd meeting with the Memphis Grizzlies on the season. Fans had hope that the Jazz could get win #3 over the Grizzlies, who are still struggling with injuries and a 3-13 record.
The first quarter was close, with the Jazz having a 25-24 advantage, but in the 2nd quarter, things got away from them as David Roddy beat the Jazz again and again, looking like an All-Star. Memphis opened up an 18-point lead by halftime.
When Memphis outscored the Jazz 9-3 to open the 3rd quarter, the Jazz starters remained offline - Will Hardy likely knowing a 20-point deficit was a lot to overcome on the front of a back-to-back set of games.
In the 4th, the Jazz actually outscored Memphis 24-17 and closed the deficit to 10 with just over 2 minutes left, but Memphis got smart and held the ball more, finishing the game with a 105-91 win.
For a team that had been beaten by 20 points or more in their last several games, Memphis played hard and didn't let up until late, even with a 20-point lead.
Walker Kessler, in just his 3rd game back after a long injury layoff, had 9 points, 7 boards, and 6 blocks.
The Jazz were outrebounded 51-39, one of the few times they've been beaten on the boards this season (they were the #1 ranked rebounding team in the NBA entering this game).
John Colllins was one of the few bright spots for the Jazz, with 17 points on 50% shooting.
The Jazz fall to 6-12 on the season, and move on to play the Minnesota Timberwolves next, who may be without Anthony Edwards due to a hip injury. Hopefully, the Jazz can take advantage.