By: Lauren Rose Spencer
The Jazz played a physical and mental battle against the Detroit Pistons (23-43) who seemingly fought during the game to match their level. The Jazz led the first half on offense, and they had multiple turnovers. Derrick Favors had 26 points, Gordon Hayward had 12 points, and Rodney Hood had 12 points. Rudy Gobert contributed on defense with 19 total rebounds.
Following the game, Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder immediately praised the Piston’s efforts.
Head Coach Quin Snyder talked about the Pistons and more HERE
“That team we played, played so hard. To be in a situation where you lose (Andre) Drummond and then you lose Tayshuan Price, you’re obviously fighting for wins. You know we’ve been there. To come out on a back to back and play the way they did, and as hard as they did we were lucky to get out of there.”
Detroit’s leading contributors were Greg Monroe who had 16 points, 13 rebounds total, 2 assists, and 2 blocks; Anthony Tolliver had 14 points 3 rebounds, and 1 assist; and Jody Meeks had 11 points, 3 rebounds total, and 1 assist. Joel Anthony played with effort also, and had 10 points.
“I thought Joel was tremendous. Joel’s a pro’s pro. He’s played less than 200 minutes all year. He’s the first guy in the building every day. He does his work, stays ready,” Said Detroit Piston’s head coach Stan Van Gundy. “He’s the kind of guy you want on your roster, because he will always be ready when called on.”
The Jazz stepped into the first half with energy, but tired in the 3rd quarter. Although fewer shots were falling for Jazz in the 3rd and 4th, Snyder said he thought his team played well offensively.
Sparks flew in the 4th quarter; pushing the Jazz further with more momentum after major plays were executed on offense from Dante Exum, Rodney Hood, Trey Burke, and Trevor Booker on defense.
Rodney Hood addressed the media following the win and talking about the team’s energy HERE
Trey Burke addressed the media following the win HERE
NBA rookies, Dante Exum and Rodney Hood played a stellar game, both executing plays offense. Exum had two 3 pointers, and 8 points total. Rodney Hood had two 3 pointers as well, and totaled 12 points. Snyder said that he thought their greatest attribute in tonight’s game was their play on defense.
“I am trusting them (the Jazz) a little bit more right now, and they’ve earned that. If we’re not fresh, we aren’t getting the experience we want out here competitively. I think I am still pushing the heck out of them,” said Snyder.
“They are dialed in. It’s good because we’ve got a long way to go. There’s just a lot more to do, but what I think we are doing right now is positive.”
The Utah Jazz (29-36) will host the Charlotte Hornets (29-35) on Monday, March 16th, 7:00pm at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.
