The Utah Jazz came into Tuesday night on a 9 game losing streak taking on the defending Champion San Antonio Spurs at Energy Solutions Arena. This game stayed close throughout as the Jazz trailed the Spurs by 1, 22-21 at the end of the first quarter. The Jazz were able to take a 44-43 lead into the locker room. After the half, Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich was ejected with 10 seconds left in the 3rd, and the Jazz battled to take the lead at 78-72 before heading into the 4th quarter. The Jazz were able to keep the lead and pick up a huge win over the Spurs 100-96. This game was back and fourth all night, tallying up 15 lead changes and 6 times when the game was tied. The Jazz’s biggest lead was 11 points while the Spurs led by as much as 4.
The Jazz were led by Derrick Favors with 21 points and 8 rebounds on 10 of 20 shooting. Gordon Hayward added 20 points and 7 rebounds. Quin Snyder told the media that he has really challenged Gordon Hayward defensively, and it showed as he came up with a crucial steal late in the game to help the Jazz win (check out the interview in the “Interviews” section). Gordon also shot 6 of 9 from the free throw line. What’s interesting to note here is that Gordon told us after Tuesday’s game, for every missed free throw, he has to make 25 free throws in the next practice. So when the Jazz practice again Gordon will have to make 75 free throws. Enes Kanter provided a spark for the Jazz with a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds. Alec Burks had 14 points in the win.
The Spurs were led by future Hall of Famer, Tim Duncan with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard had 16 points. The Spurs were without Tony Parker, Tiago Splitter and Patty Mills, all of whom were out with injuries. With the loss to the Jazz, the Spurs fall to 15-6 on the season. Up next they will play at home against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.
I was able to catch up with Quin Snyder, Enes Kanter, Gordon Hayward, and Derrick Favors following the game. You can check out all of the audio in the “Interviews” section.
For the Jazz, they improve to 6-16 on the season and will be off until Friday night when they welcome Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat to Energy Solutions Arena.
