Utah Jazz Defeat Toronto Raptors, 105-90
Oct 3, 2018, 4:37 AM
Utah Jazz wingman Grayson Allen hangs on the rim after a dunk in the Jazz's win over Toronto. (Steve Griffin, Deseret News)
(Steve Griffin, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz got their first look at an NBA team in a 105-90 win over the Toronto Raptors Tuesday night at Vivint SmartHome Arena.
Jazz Give Up Big Run, Later Make Their Own
After holding a 31-25 lead after the first quarter, the Jazz quickly went cold in the second, permitting Toronto to go on a 25-5 run to start the period. Fortunately for Utah, Joe Ingles provided a spark in the final minutes of the quarter, scoring all the Jazz’s final 10 points. This reduced the Raptors halftime lead to 58-49.
“Everyting stalled out,” said head coach Quin Snyder. “The offense hurt our defense. They’re an aggressive team, great hands, and we were turning the ball over…Not quite a perfect storm, but pretty close.”
After halftime, it was the Jazz’s time to go on a big run, starting the half on a 29-5 run, that included three made 3-pointers by Joe Ingles. This led to an 83-78 lead for the Jazz at the end of the third quarter. Ingles, who also celebrated his 31st birthday Tuesday, finished as the game’s high-scorer with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting with five 3-pointers made.
The birthday boy has the walkout with @kristenkenney 🗣
“I appreciate everyone coming out for my birthday.” pic.twitter.com/A85nBFDRpH
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 3, 2018
“That’s who Joe is,” said Snyder. “And we’ve encouraging him to be more aggressive from the 3-point line.”
Second Unit Played Strong
The Jazz pulled away in the fourth with some nice play that included an excited stretch of a 3-pointer by Grayson, an alley oop finish by Allen and a thunderous slam dunk by Royce O’Neale. But it was Ekpe Upoh, who scored just three points in the game, who received the majority of the credit for that run from Snyder.
“I think what Ekpe gives our team is all the things we want on the defensive end,” said Snyder. “I think his presence, he anchored that group.”
GET UP YOUNG FELLA pic.twitter.com/rQ0HAi9euK
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 3, 2018
By The Numbers And Local Ties
Rudy Gobert gathered a double-double in just 25 minutes played, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He also finished with 5 blocks for the game.
Donovan Mitchell finished with 12 points, including two 3-pointers made.
Former BYU and Provo High School star Kyle Collinsworth got the start for the Raptors and elicited a loud ovation from his hometown crowd during the pregame introductions. In 10 minutes of action, he was held scoreless while grabbing two rebounds.
Former Utah star Delon Wright also appeared in the game for the Raptors. He scored five points and snagged five rebounds in 24 minutes of play.
The Raptors’ newly acquired star, Kawhi Leonard, led his team with 17 points on 50 percent shooting in just 18 minutes of action.
Next Up
Having played the Perth Wildcats in the first preseason game Saturday night, the Jazz will welcome another Australian team to Vivint SmartHome Arena on Friday when they host the Adelaide 36ers Friday at 7 p.m. The game will not be broadcast on television but will be available on radio on 1280 AM.
