by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Abbie Parr of the Associated Press
The Utah Jazz (6-12) takes on the best in west, Minnesota Timberwolves (13-4) in their second game of a back-to-back road trip.
Lacking Purple Rain
After a disappointing loss on Wednesday Utah had to put that behind them as they look to end this short road trip on the positive end. Minnesota started off hot by sticking to their strengths within the paint on both ends of the court. Even with both teams shooting 50 percent within the perimeter, each team had their opponent fight for their buckets. Simone Fontecchio (16/5/5) put Utah on his back in the first either assisting or scoring 12 of Utah’s 23 points in the first quarter. Minnesota had their answer with Rudy Gobert (15 points and 13 rebounds) continuously contesting every shot that comes his way but shot 2/4 (50%) when having to approach Walker Kessler (7/5/2). With these two defensive juggernauts on the floor, neither team was able to find an offensive rhythm as Utah finished the quarter with a 23-20 lead.
With a tight score going into the second quarter, Utah looked to stretch out the floor with their perimeter shooting. Might sound like a good plan on paper, but Utah struggled to get those perimeter shots in during the first half. Utah shot 5/18 (27.8%) from the perimeter but matched Minnesota basket for basket within the perimeter shooting 12/26 (46.2%). Another hard fought, low scoring quarter from both teams led to a 49-47 deficit for Utah.
Showing Who’s Superior
The third quarter became a true game of runs. Utah started off the quarter with a 7-0 run led by Ochai Agbaji (16/6/3), but that joy was short lived with the Minnesota response. Minnesota responded with a 14-0 led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker (20/5/7) and Mike Conley (8/3/7). Shots couldn’t fall for Utah as they shot 7/20 (35%) from the field and a limited 2/6 (33.3%) from the perimeter. Having limited numbers and being outscored 35-19 in the quarter, Utah went into the final quarter trailing 84-66.
With the large lead, it felt as if Minnesota was playing backyard basketball as they looked more relaxed and not concerned with mistakes. Shooting 7/21 (33.3%) from the field, Minnesota knew that Utah needed a perfect quarter if they wanted to make this game competitive. Keyonte George (12/4/4) tried to bring Utah back into this game but shooting 0/5 (0%) in the quarter and 4/19 (21.1%) for the game isn’t a winning recipe. With focus on Alexander-Walker and Gobert most of the game Karl-Anthony Towns (32/11/4) making this game look like a shoot around shooting 12/19 (63.2%) for the game. This Minnesota team showed why they’re the number one team in the west as they asserted their dominance once again winning 101-90.
What’s Next
Utah will make their way back home as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
The Hive Sports 
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