It feels like we just played this team or something. Personally, I am not at all a fan of playing the same team twice within a week or two let alone in back to back games. It feels like the Jazz have done that an awful lot this season.
Anyways, let’s hope tonight is different than Monday night. I am happy to report that the Utah Jazz did not get off to a slow start tonight. Kyle Korver also had an immediate impact off the bench with a couple 3s on back to back possessions. He’s really finding a rhythm as of late and adds another wrinkle to Utah’s offense. It’s amazing how much gravity he has as a shooter.
Some early foul trouble for Donovan Mitchell forced Quin Snyder to change his rotation a bit and the offense stalled a little. In the end, to good guys took a 2 point lead into the 2nd quarter.
Wow Derrick Favors is just a different animal right now. I wanted to say he looks better than he has in years, but honestly I’m not sure he’s ever looked this good. He brought it again tonight scoring 25 very efficient points. Maybe limiting his minutes is done for his health rather than his on-court fit. He looks healthier than ever and has that explosiveness back. It’s been so fun to watch him thrive.
Like last game, the Jazz took a commanding lead into halftime. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one hoping for a different result than 2 nights ago. By the way, have I ever mentioned that Jrue Holiday would look amazing in a Jazz jersey? That guy can ball! He had a good first half.
And we’re back in action after the break. Rudy Gobert looks like he’s back in business after a couple off games. He’d finish the night with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks. That’s the dominating center we’ve all come to know and love. He scored that 22 points on only 12 shot by the way.
Free throws!! It’s a good thing the Jazz pulled this one out in the end. I would point at the missed points at the line if they didn’t. They were a putrid 14/22 (63.6%) on the night. They also only shot 8/30 (26.7%), so tonight certainly could have gone differently. Joe Ingles had an off shooting night, but Quin Snyder has found a great new piece of the offense with Joe running more point. The Ingles-Favors pick and roll is especially effective right now. Here are Joe’s assist totals over the last few games: 10, 11, 8, 10, 6, 6, 7. He’s been amazing!
Fortunately the 4th quarter was much less depressing than last time around. I still can’t believe the Jazz blew a 10 point lead with 7:27 left. Anyways, let’s just enjoy tonight shall we? The Jazz maintained a pretty comfortable lead throughout, but the Pelicans stayed close enough to keep it interesting. I honestly don’t have much more to say about this game other than they got back to their winning ways. Up next is the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
Lines of the Night:
Derrick Favors: 25 points (9/11 FG, 6/6 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 blocks
Rudy Gobert: 22 points (10/12 FG), 13 rebounds, 4 blocks
Donovan Mitchell: 22 points (10/18 FG), 7 rebounds (4 offensive)