The Utah Jazz (16-10) take over 1st place in the Northwest Division and move up to 6th in the Western Conference standings with a dominant 109-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder (15-11). It was a game the Jazz never trailed, leading from start to finish. Rodney Hood led the way for the Jazz with 25 points. Gordon Hayward added 17 points. Rudy Gobert finishes with a double-double, 12 points and 12 rebounds. Shelvin Mack added 15 points and 5 assists off the bench. Russell Westbrook of the Thunder was held to 27 points on 7 of 25 shooting. He also finished with 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
Derrick Favors made his return on Wednesday as he scored 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in the 12:40 of play for the Jazz. Here is Derrick Favors with the media following the win:
The 10-game 20+ scoring stretch was snapped for Gordon Hayward with his 17 point effort, but the Jazz have now won 9 games out of their last 11. Gordon Hayward talked with the media after the game:
The Utah Jazz will next be in action when they take on the Dallas Mavericks Friday night at 8:30 at Vivint Smart Home Arena. This is a game where they need to keep the momentum rolling. They can’t have a letdown. The Jazz can become a really great team as players get back from injuries and everyone gets their rolls on the team set. It is great to see, however, the way the Jazz play as a team. A different player steps up every game.
Quin Snyder, Head Coach of the Utah Jazz talked with the media after the game:
