Utah Jazz Come Up Empty In Second Half, Suffer Blowout At Hands Of Timberwolves

Feb 8, 2023, 9:14 PM | Updated: Feb 9, 2023, 10:46 am

Digital Sports Producer

SALT LAKE CITY – Minnesota turned a ten-point halftime lead into a runaway, outscoring the Jazz 40-21 in the third period of an eventual 143-118 win.

Following a blockbuster trade that was reported less than one hour before tip-off, both teams played shorthanded. The Timberwolves were without Rudy Gobert, who missed the game while nursing a groin injury, and D’Angelo Russell after the point guard was reportedly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Jazz was without the services of guards Mike Conley, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker after they were reportedly traded to Minnesota earlier in the evening. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt and guard Malik Beasley were reportedly sent to Los Angeles in the deal.

Minnesota shoots 57.1 percent (56-of-98) from the floor and 53.5 percent (23-of-43) from deep in a 143-118 win over @utahjazz #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/Is4FfDRBCg

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 9, 2023

Anthony Edwards poured in a game-high 31 points while teammate Jaylen Nowell added 30. Rookie Luka Garza chipped in 23 off the bench.

The Jazz allowed Minnesota to shoot 57.1 percent (56-of-98) from the floor an 53.5 percent (23-of-43) from deep.

First Quarter

First-time All-Star Lauri Markkanen kept the Jazz close in the opening minutes, knocking down a pair of open threes.

🇫🇮 first 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 for 23 🇫🇮#TakeNote | @MarkkanenLauri pic.twitter.com/VqQQpEHybh

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 9, 2023

Led by former first overall pick Anthony Edwards, Minnesota appeared to have more energy than the Jazz as they built a 21-17 advantage with 4:41 left in the quarter.

Collin Sexton and Markkanen led the Jazz with eight points apiece. Edwards led all scorers with 14 points while adding four assists and two rebounds.

Minnesota held a 33-31 lead after one quarter.

Second Quarter

The Timberwolves jumped out to a 64-45 lead as the Jazz defense allowed Minnesota to get whatever shots they wanted. Jaylen Nowell took advantage, scoring 15 of his 20 first-half points in the period.

Utah was able to claw back, using an 8-0 run to get within five at 72-67.

𝟏𝟏 Jazz threes in the first half and no sign of slowing down 🔥#Pura3Pointer | @pura pic.twitter.com/u2qgkd75Om

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 9, 2023

Minnesota scored the final five points of the period to take a 77-67 lead into the break.

The Timberwolves shot 59.6 percent from the field and 52.4 percent from deep in the half.

Third Quarter

The Timberwolves came out of the locker room with a vengeance, pouncing on the Jazz for a 15-6 run in three minutes that equaled their largest lead at 92-73.

Minnesota’s run continued with the game devolving into a glorified pickup game for a stretch in the third period. Turnovers, missed shots and frenetic play was apparent from both teams as the lead extended to 26 points with 3:16 left.

The @timberwolves have blown this game open taking a 107-84 lead with 4:01 left in the third.

The @utahajzz have allowed Minnesota to shoot 62% from the floor and 59% from three.#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/LavAag4WsL

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 9, 2023

Minnesota outscored the Jazz 40-21 in the period, opening up a 117-88 lead.

Fourth Quarter

With the Timberwolves in control, Jazz head coach Will Hardy used the fourth quarter as an opportunity to experiment with lineups following this afternoon’s reported trade that reshaped the roster.