by Alma Bean
Feature Image: Photo by Nick Wass of AP Photo.
The Utah Jazz (10-3) takes on the Washington Wizards (6-6) in their second game of a three-game road trip. Utah is currently riding a four-game win streak while Washinton is currently on a two-game winning streak.
A few hours before tip-off, Washington star Bradley Beal was cleared from health and safety protocols after missing the last three games. Though he was cleared, Beal is still listed out as he works his way back with competitive conditioning. Kristaps Porzingis (31/10/2), who was listed as probable for a strained groin, became available just before the start of the game. Utah came into the game without any injuries on their roster and looking to take advantage of the matchup.
Numbers Are Just Numbers
The first quarter looked like a normal showing for Utah as they shot 13/25 (52%) from the field, but Washington played a different style of play. Washington averages nearly nine three-point shots made per game and managed to make five in the first quarter. Washington also prevented Utah from reaching the free-throw line making them earn each and every point. As shots continued to fall, Jordan Goodwin (9/2/2), has been taking advantage of Beal’s absence. Goodwin gaining minutes (23.8 minutes) while Beal has been out, made the final three shots of the quarter for Washington totaling eight points. With momentum swaying in Washington’s favor, Utah finished the quarter with a 30-28 lead.
(2) Utah Jazz on Twitter: “ft. the Beasley shimmy 🪩 #TakeNote https://t.co/cdXJNhNCkz” / Twitter
Momentum carried over to the second quarter for Washington. While Washington was shooting 11/16 (68.8%) within the perimeter, Utah seemed to put their focus on the three-ball. Utah shot 6/13 (46.2%) from the three but only took seven shot attempts from close range. With Utah struggling to drive, Mike Conley (3/10/3) put his talents into distribution rather than points getting five assists by halftime. After a lackluster quarter from Utah, they went into the half trailing 61-55.
Utah Jazz on Twitter: “the flamethrower at work: #TakeNote https://t.co/gG0WQ2l1GE” / Twitter
No Place Like Home
For the second time in the game, Washington once again made five three-pointers in the quarter totaling 13 on the day. Washington’s 13 threes are the most they’ve scored this season and yet they still had another quarter to work with. Seemed as if Utah didn’t want to lose any more quarters as they continued to try and find ways to get the ball in the basket. While struggling from beyond the perimeter (1/10) Utah stayed in the game shooting just over 30% for the quarter. Washington went into the final quarter with a 92-84 lead.
The fourth quarter belonged to Utah’s bench players. Talen Horton-Tucker (12/3/10) got his first double-double in a Jazz uniform. For the game, Utah’s bench accounted for 57 points and 16 assists. Utah and Washington nearly matched each other shot for shot in the fourth narrowing the game down to free throws. Though Utah’s guards fought to keep them in the game, accumulating 68 total points, Utah’s win streak came to an end losing 121-112. Washington was led by impressive performances by Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma (23/8/6.)
What’s Next?
The Utah Jazz (10-4) will get no rest as they finish their road trip on a back-to-back traveling to face the Philadelphia 76ers (6-7) on Sunday at 5:30 PM MST on AT&T SportsNet.
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