Jazz Overcome 17-Point Deficit For Big Win Over Clippers
Feb 27, 2019, 9:59 PM | Updated: Feb 28, 2019, 3:45 pm
Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) knocks the ball away from LA Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (5) as the Jazz and Clippers play at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. (Scott Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – After trailing by 17 points mid-way through the first quarter, the Utah Jazz rallied to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 111-105.
The starting lineup for the Jazz was stellar, as all five players finished with double-figure scoring. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 32 points while Rudy Gobert turned in 20 points with 13 rebounds.
“A lot of guys contributed,” said Jazz head coach Quin Snyder after the game.
📹| @rudygobert27 ⤵️
20p | 13r | 4b | 2a | 8-10 ft pic.twitter.com/tCHSzNsSST
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 28, 2019
Neto Saved The Day In Fourth Quarter
As the game went on, however, the role of the Jazz’s reserves became particularly important to pulling out the win. Starting point guard Ricky Rubio was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to a hamstring injury. In his absence, back up Raul Neto shined.
“Raul, in particular, came in and was terrific and just did a lot of little things, made a couple big plays,” said Snyder after the game.
Neto finished with 10 points, 7 of which came in the fourth quarter.
Raul with 10 points off the bench! pic.twitter.com/uY1bVuhwv5
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 28, 2019
MORE FROM JAZZ vs. CLIPPERS
- Neto Has Big 4th Quarter For Jazz Against Clippers
- Gobert Posterizes Clippers Center Ivica Zubac With Big Dunk
- Mitchell Breaks Ankles, Knocks Down Big 3-Pointer
Stingy Effort On Defense
As a team, the Jazz had a terrific defensive outing. The Clippers’ two best players, Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams were held in check and frustrated all night. Both finished well below their season scoring averages. Gallinari had 18 points on 3-for-14 shooting while Williams had 18 as well on 5-for-18 shooting.
As a team the Jazz had a season-high 12 blocks, including four by Gobert and three apiece by Derrick Favors and Joe Ingles.
those moves tho pic.twitter.com/48wJPQFcrW
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 28, 2019
Playoff Implications
The comeback victory gives the Jazz a bit of breathing room as they come down the stretch for the playoff race. Following the game, Utah’s lead over the Clippers for the sixth spot in the playoffs increased to a game and half.
#NBA Standings 02/28 🏀🇺🇸🇨🇦#NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/sgqZ5ier5G
— Fernando Cervera (@cervera16) February 28, 2019
Next Up
With little time to rest, the Jazz will make a quick trip to Denver to face the Nuggets Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on TNT.
