Conley, Mitchell Score 57 Points In Jazz Victory

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s back court seemed to face no opposition early in the Jazz’s 113-109 win over the Golden State Warriors. But it was a bit different in the 4th quarter when the shorthanded club from Northern California wouldn’t go quietly into the night.

The Warriors of Ky Bowman, Eric Paschall and former Jazzman Alec Burks outscored Utah 37-23 in the final period to make the Jazz sweat out the victory.

“I think there’s disappointment in you know, the fourth quarter, and how we executed offensively,” said head coach Quin Snyder. “And then the things that we can control, particularly transition defense, and not getting back with with urgency.”

Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell combined for 57 points; 30 for Mitchell and 27 for Conley. While the dynamic duo made some amazing plays early, they also made some head scratching blunders to allow Golden State back into the game.

Mitchell made a jump shot to give Utah a 106-96 lead late in the game and Conley canned a 3-pointer to make it 111-103. But a turnover by Conley and missed free throws by the lefty point guard and Mitchell gave Golden State hope with under a minute left in the game. Rudy Gobert’s defensive presence helped to secure the victory.

Conley was the first guy to catch fire, if you don’t count him missing his first floater. He then drove down the lane almost unopposed for a layup. His second drive and layup was almost as wide open.

#MountainMike with 9 points early#TakeNote | #MountainTime pic.twitter.com/4Ys62ub4k7

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 23, 2019

Conley then showed off his range by burying a free throw line jumper and a 3 pointer. He was 6-8 in the first half and made both of his 3 point attempts to give him 14 points at the break. Coach Snyder said Conley is finally getting comfortable with the team.

“He knows where his shots are coming. (Conley) is getting more connected to the other guys in the court, particularly in pick and roll,” Snyder said. “He’s ready to shoot off the ball and he’s leading our team.”

When Conley retreated to the bench, Mitchell took over on offense. At the end of the 1st quarter, his 3-point bomb beat the buzzer and gave Utah a 30-28 advantage

Buzzer, beaten ✅#OfficialReview | @NedandMitch pic.twitter.com/MBapMY33z1

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 23, 2019

Mitchell buried his second 3 point attempt a few moments later and was also fouled in the process.

🗣 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝟭 pic.twitter.com/VJ2825gGoQ

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 23, 2019

Mitchell then floated in a fade away jumper to give him 13-points in the first half.

The Jazz starting guards also played well when they were on the floor together. In the 3rd quarter with the Jazz only up 69-60, Mitchell drove down the middle of the lane and passed it out to Conley for a 3-point bucket. Mitchell’s steal and dunk gave Utah a 74-60 lead. At that point, both players had scored 17 points a piece.

Mitchell finished shooting 12-24 from the floor. Conley was 9-16 including 4-5 from behind the 3 point line.

Former Jazz guard Alec Burks was a bright spot for Golden State. He scored 20 points including a driving lay-up over Gobert that cut Utah’s lead to 111-107. But Gobert blocked Burks with 4.1 second left in the game to seal the victory.

Rudy Gobert finished with 7 blocks, 8 points and 19 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic scored 17 for the Jazz.

Utah is back on the court tomorrow night against New Orleans. Tip-off at Vivint Smart Home Arena is at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet.