By Emilee White:
After starting their preseason with a win over the Sydney Kings, the Utah Jazz continued their preseason as they faced Maccabi Haifa on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. Keeping an even score for an early part of the game, the Jazz broke away from Maccabi and held a substantial lead over their opponent. By the final buzzer, the Jazz won their second preseason game, 117-78.
Maccabi got the first shot on the Jazz, taking the first lead of the game, but the Jazz kept close behind, either by two point or equalizing the score. At the first timeout however, the Jazz took the lead 8-6 early and by the end of the first quarter, the Jazz held a 10 point lead over their opponent. That lead was extended to 23 by the end of the first half with the Jazz leading 57-34.
The second half had a better start for the Jazz since this time, Maccabi was trailing them. A foul on guard Dante Exum gave him an opportunity for free throws, giving his team some extra points. This gave the Jazz the momentum to continue to extend their lead over their opponent, making it very difficult for Maccabi to catch up going into the last quarter. By the end of the game, Maccabi failed to get close to the Jazz to defeat them and the Jazz took its second win in their preseason.
Up next for the Jazz, they play their last home game in preseason on Friday, Oct. 6 as they face the Phoenix Suns. Tipoff is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. MT.
