by Daniel Olsen | Before the game, our Jazz preview writer Harrison Porter gave three “Jazz Notes” to success for this game vs the best team in the West. Let’s take a look at how they did.
The starters combined for 83 which was much more than the 52 they combined for last game. They were on fire at the start but it was hard to keep up with a good Lakers team late. They simply have to be impeccable to beat the best.
This game wasn’t another episode of the Jordan Clarkson show. Clarkson scored 6 points on 2-13 shooting. He did attempt the most shots of all the bench players. Someone not named Clarkson will have to step up on a weaker bench with Bogdanovic out.
While the Jazz played better defense, it was not good enough to win. They held the Lakers to 24 points in the first quarter then both teams went on fire in the second quarter to combine for 66 points. The Jazz had a 6 minute dry spell in the third quarter and the Lakers made them pay by going on a 18-2 run.
The Lakers never really looked back in the fourth quarter. The Jazz made a run near the end but it was too little too late. While they succeeded at the first note and somewhat in the third note, their bench continues to be their kryptonite.
The fourth game in the NBA bubble as it won’t get much easier than the current 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies who have yet to win a game in the NBA restart. The Jazz need to get the next win and try to make a run to improve their seeding and get ready for playoff basketball.
Featured image courtesy Deseret News.