by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Nikki Boertman of the Associated Press
The Utah Jazz (2-7) takes on the Memphis Grizzlies (1-7) in Utah’s inaugural in-season tournament qualifier game.
One Win, You’re on Top of the World
Coming into this game, both teams were looking for a first for this season. Memphis is looking for their first win at home and Utah is looking for their first win on the road this season. Memphis started hot out the gates with a 7-0 run before Utah started to get their footing. After starting the game 2/6 (33.3%) from the field, Utah shot 8/14 (57.1%) from the field and looked like a much more confident team. Quietly, John Collins (18 points and 3 rebounds), outside of an early turnover, had a great first quarter shooting 2/2 from the field and accounting for five of Utah’s points. with the help of nine free throw attempt, all being made, Utah finished the quarter with a narrow 34-32 lead.
With a close score starting the second quarter, it felt like Utah didn’t want to give Memphis a chance to come back before the half. Shooting a remarkable 15/19 (78.9%) from the field and 7/9 (77.8%) from the perimeter, Memphis fans were moaning and groaning with each basket made by Utah. Especially with Simone Fontecchio (6/2/1) who was nearly invisible in the first quarter went 2/2 (100%) from the perimeter including a highly contested shot by Jacob Gilyard (14/4/8). Though he was unable to score for himself in the first half, Keyonte George (7/3/11) managed to create for his teammates accounting for seven of Utah’s assists in the half. With this major contribution, Utah went into the half with a 76-63 lead.
Going Down Swinging
The third quarter looked to be more in Memphis’ favor. Being able not only to knock down their own shots but able to limits Utah’s shooting after a lights out quarter from the field in the second. Even with Utah able to get their largest lead of the game in the third quarter of 21 points, Memphis was able to gather themselves and fight back. Desmond Bane (37/4/8) being a major factor in Memphis’ comeback, after going 7/13 (53.8%) in the first half, Bane shot 3/6 (50%) from the field. Even newly acquired Bismack Biyombo (15 points and 15 rebounds) was able to pick up the pieces when Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. (14/4/2) weren’t able to propel Memphis forward. Having the back up against the wall, Memphis was able to go on a 10-2 run in the final minutes to leave their mark and bring the deficit down to 103-95 going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter looked like Spartans fighting for their bragging rights. Both teams playing aggressive defense and forcing highly contested shots on every possession. David Roddy (7 points and 3 rebounds) continued to put his head down and lower his shoulder going into the paint to assert his dominance to bring Memphis within one early in the fourth quarter.
Though his stat line may have not been too exciting, Marcus Smart (8/1/2) was wreaking havoc for Utah on the defensive end. Locking up the guards along the perimeter and applying pressure to his advantage. In the final quarter, Smart looked to have caught the referee’s eye because anything that could be called against him was called. When Memphis needed leadership down the stretch, Smart received his sixth foul with just under six minutes left in the game. Having Jackson Jr. being ejected earlier in the game, Memphis had to put a lot of pressure on Bane to try and lead this team to victory.
After Smart left the game, Memphis kept this game interesting not letting Utah runaway with the lead. Jordan Clarkson (26/4/4) decides to “flame on” as Thurl Bailey would say and got hot when Utah needed him to. Making the final two buckets for Utah to give them not only their first road win of the season, but their first win towards the in-season tournament beating Memphis 127-121.
What;s Next
After finishing the road trip with a win, Utah will return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers (3-5) in the second qualifier game for the in-season tournament.
The Hive Sports 
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