Jazz, Gobert own paint in big road win over Memphis


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MEMPHIS — The three-game win streak has finally happened for the Utah Jazz.

They’ve had multiple opportunities this season, and have failed to take advantage of them. However, the Jazz opened the door to victory with defense and timely shot-making, besting the Memphis Grizzlies 93-82 to start a four-game road trip.

The Jazz had another outstanding defensive performance, holding the Grizzlies to a sub-90 point game. Also, the Grizzlies finished just 3-for-11 at the 3-point line.

Outstanding didn’t just describe the Jazz defense; it also described one of its primary defenders, center Rudy Gobert. Gobert finished with 15 points and 24 rebounds, easily the player of the game for a focused Utah attack.

The Jazz are now 5-1 after the All-Star break, and four of the wins are against current playoff teams.

Three observations can be taken from the win, which brings Utah’s record to 24-35.

Second-half dominance ----------------------

The Jazz held the Grizzlies to just 44 second-half points while outscoring them 50-44. However, it was the way in which Utah dominated the fourth quarter that really bears mentioning.

Utah held a 74-71 lead after the third quarter, when the game was still undecided. However, from there, the Jazz went on a 17-9 run. The lead stretched to as large as 14 points after Gordon Hayward hit a mid-range jumper to give the team an 89-75 lead.

Hayward and Favors lead Jazz

Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors own the two-largest contracts on the Utah Jazz roster, and their performances Tuesday matched their incomes. Hayward finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Favors finished with 21 points and eight rebounds.

The duo played an important role in helping Utah take advantage early in the fourth quarter, and Favors helped Utah make strong leaps in its 55-37 rebounding advantage over the Grizzlies. Also, Favors helped with defense in the paint, contributing three blocked shots — including a critical one that led to a Jazz fast break in the fourth quarter.

Zach Randolph and Tony Allen didn’t play

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but Memphis’ two best players didn’t suit up for the team. In Randolph, the Grizzlies missed 16.5 points and 11.7 rebounds a game, while in Allen, Memphis missed one of its best perimeter defenders. Backup Kosta Koufos, a former Jazzman, registered only six points replacing Randolph, while Jeff Green had six points replacing Allen.

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Jon Oglesby

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