Tbe Utah Jazz head back to Houston down 3-1, losing what felt like a must win game 4 in Salt Lake City. Despite a noticeable improvement from game 3’s drubbing. the Jazz still couldn’t answer the Rockets ability to score in bunches.
Donovan Mitchell, still saddled by playing the point guard position in the absence of the injured Ricky Rubio contributed an impressive 25 point, 9 rebound, 4 steal, and 2 assist performance, but couldn’t out-duel Chris Paul, who finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 rebounds of his own. Paul made a living in the midrange, taking what the Jazz are willing to concede, and set the Rockets up to close out the series in Houston on Tuesday.
Dante Exum provided an offensive spark for the Jazz in the first quarter, but was saddled by three controversial foul calls, before injuring his hamstring early in the third quarter.
On the flip side, Clint Capela continues to provide a big spark for the Rockets, finishing with 12 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 blocks, and forced Rudy Gobert into a -27, despite a double double of his own.
The Jazz will look to get their second consecutive win in Houston, where to won game 2 Wednesday night.
