The Jazz barely hung on to beat the Mavericks on Friday night, 103-100. Utah struggled defensively in the first half, giving up 58 points despite holding a significant rebound advantage. In the second half the Jazz corrected the defensive issues, but struggled on the offensive end, especially in the fourth quarter.
Dallas had the Jazz on the ropes late in the fourth. The Jazz had only scored 10 points in the fourth heading into the final possessions. Utah failed to score with the game tied at 100. The Mavericks had the ball with the shot clock turned off and a chance to hit a game-winner. Deron Williams, who was half-heartedly booed the entire game, missed the potential go ahead shot with plenty of time left on the clock for the Jazz to get a shot of their own.
Rather than calling a timeout, Quin Snyder urged Rodney Hood to push the ball up the floor and take the final shot right then and there. Hood got a clean three-point look and sunk it with .8 seconds left. Dallas wasn’t able to get a shot off out of their timeout. The Jazz came away with the victory 103-100.
This was the last game of a five-game home stand for the Jazz. Utah went 4-1 on the home stand, with the only loss coming against Golden State. They’ll head out on the road to take on Memphis and then Golden State.
Postgame Audio:
Quin Snyder
Rodney Hood (15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals)
Gordon Hayward (13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists)
Rudy Gobert (16 points, 10 rebounds)
