by Alma Bean
Feature Image: Photo by Rick Bowmer of AP Photo
The Utah Jazz (12-11) takes on the visiting Los Angeles Clippers (13-9) as Utah tries to break their five-game losing streak.
Clipping Expectations
Utah started off the game shooting lights out. Only missing one attempt (5/6, 83.3%) within the perimeter for the first quarter. Though Los Angeles shot 7/14 (50%) within the perimeter, a third of their production came from the free-throw line. Shooting 9/9 (100%), Los Angeles allowed Utah to shoot the same number of free throws but were not able to match their production going 7/9 (77.8%) from the line. With a hot first quarter from Lauri Markkanen (23/9/2) shooting 4/5 (80%) with 12 points, Utah finished the quarter with a 35-26 lead.
In the second quarter, the momentum shifted immediately in Los Angeles’ favor. Shortly after the 10-minute mark, Los Angeles went on a 10-0 run where all five players contributed to the scoring efforts. Doesn’t help when Utah was only able to make 8/18 (44.4%) shots, going 4/9 (44.4%) from inside and outside the arc. As Utah reverted back to committing turnovers with 10 resulting in 16 points for Los Angeles, Utah lost the lead going into the half 60-58.
Bringing Back the Home Stand
The second half began a little scary for Utah fans. Neither team was able to break away for a marginal lead and Jordan Clarkson (33/4/5) received his fourth foul three minutes into the quarter. Though this had Utah fans worried early, Utah coach Will Hardy revealed in his postgame interview that he was sticking with Clarkson.
“I told JC to take the timeouts seriously because you’re not coming out…drink water. I don’t want to hear you’re tired.”
Will Hardy speaking about Jordan Clarkson playing in the second half. -Sarah Todd via Twitter @NBASarah
Clarkson went on to score 11 points in the third quarter, and 17 points in the second half. Collin Sexton (21/6/6) was also held to this standard by Hardy as well. Sexton’s ability to go full speed at all times looked like Los Angeles was winded trying to keep up with his energy. Even though Utah went into the final quarter with a 94-85 lead, John Wall (26/2/5) managed to respond consistently to try and keep Los Angeles within close range.
Utah Jazz on Twitter: “Sixx dishin’ š½ļø #TakeNote https://t.co/zvsyfT4Q7u” / Twitter
Going into the fourth quarter, seemed like Utah was losing its momentum. Los Angeles was able to cut a 14-point deficit at the 2:27 mark in the third quarter going on a 19-8 run. The starters for Utah kicked things into high gear as Clarkson, Sexton, and Jarred Vanderbilt (14/12/2) led the charge. An emphatic alley-oop from Clarkson to Vanderbilt kept the crowd lively making the arena feel like a playoff atmosphere. Los Angeles coach Ty Lue threw in the white flag with 3:29 left in the game down 116-102 sending in his reserve team. Hardy followed suit at the 1:51 mark as Utah was able to end their five-game losing streak with a 125-112 win.
What’s Next?
The Utah Jazz (13-11) will take on the fourth-place team in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers (12-9) on Friday. Tip-off will be at 7:00 PM MST on AT&T SportsNet.