Jazz beat Lakers but still find room for improvement


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Utah Jazz have been riding a wave of positive momentum lately.

First, Utah had an impressive crowd for a preseason scrimmage — one where the team helped 5-year-old fan J.P. Gibson fulfill his dream of wearing a Jazz uniform. Then, the team started the preseason with a 3-0 record.

Thursday, team leaders Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors were featured on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to highlight the team’s relationship with Gibson. And, oh yeah, the team also took on the Los Angeles Lakers to kick off the team’s weeklong road trip in Southern California.

Anaheim’s Honda Center, home arena for the NHL’s Ducks, provided continued good vibrations for Utah as the Jazz bested the Lakers 119-86 in a half-empty arena in Orange County.

In spite of the offensive output, Jazz coach Quin Snyder said it was a mixed night for Utah’s offense.


"I thought the ball stuck a little bit," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "I know we had a fair amount of assists, but I wasn't as pleased with out flow offensively."

“I thought we were kind of sloppy, to be honest with you,” said Snyder, who has led Utah to a now 4-0 record this preseason. “I thought the ball stuck a little bit. I know we had a fair amount of assists, but I wasn’t as pleased with out flow offensively. I thought there was too much dribbling.”

The Jazz led 25-20 after the first quarter but went on a 31-15 run in the second quarter to gain a 56-35 halftime lead. Utah outscored the Lakers in each quarter, shooting 51.2 percent on the night.

One area of concern Hayward identified was Los Angeles’ ability to take the Jazz out of their offensive system.

He, like Snyder, said Utah has to flow better, both offensively and defensively.

“We want to be able to get more fluid offensively,” said Hayward, who finished with 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting. “Teams try to take us out of the offense, we should (move) on to the next read. We’re always trying to get better as a team.

“Defensively, there are still things that teams score on the same action multiple times in a row, and that’s got to be cleaned up. So, there are definitely things we can improve on.”

In regards to Favors and Hayward’s television appearance, Snyder said it’s a positive thing for both young Gibson’s family and the players.

“It’s a great thing that they were able to do that,” said Snyder, who has been popular with Jazz fans in social settings. “It’s good for them to feel that.”

The week in Los Angeles will do more than give the Jazz a chance to continue their momentum. It will also give the team a chance to learn a new road routine under Snyder.

“I don’t think we even know what to be concerned about,” he said. “We’re like a college team that’s going on a tournament run. We’re not going to Alaska; we’re going to Southern California.

“It’s a road trip, even if it’s preseason. It’s the first back-to-back, and we’ll watch film and try and get a routine.”

Favors said Utah needs to use the trip to further develop team chemistry.

“(We need to) continue to come together as a team,” said Favors, who scored 15 points on the night. “There’s still stuff we’ve got to work on as a team, as far as chemistry and learn how to play with each other on offense. There’s still stuff we’ve got to work so hopefully, by the end of this L.A. trip, we have things put together.”

The Jazz play the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center Friday, and face the Lakers one more time on Sunday. Utah will then travel to play against Oklahoma City before returning home to take on Phoenix in the final preseason game on Oct. 24.

Most recent Sports stories

Related topics

SportsUtah Jazz
Jon Oglesby

    ARE YOU GAME?

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast