Tuesday night was a great night for NBA playoff basketball. The Houston Rockets eliminated the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Spurs were able to hold off the Memphis Grizzlies. Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz were on the bright side of the news Tuesday as well. They were able to obtain a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. Although the Jazz were playing on the road for a very intense game five matchup, they were able to gain momentum as they shocked the Clippers fans in their home arena.
Utah Firing on all cylinders
Gordon Hayward was the top scorer for the Jazz tonight.
He scored 27 points, collected 8 rebounds and distributed 4 assists as he lead the charge against the Clippers in a demanding fashion. Hayward left Sunday's game due to food poisoning but he made sure everyone was aware that he was in attendance tonight. While on the floor Hayward shot a beautiful 56% from the field. Hayward did receive help from his teammates throughout the game as well. Rodney Hood and Joe Johnson also contributed to the scoreboard, combining for a total of 30 points (Johnson 14, Hood 16). The Jazz had six players bring in double-digit point totals which helped the team create a consistent revenue of points throughout the game. Rudy Gobert was the only Jazz player to obtain a double-double on the night.
He finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Chris Paul fighting until the end
Although Chris Paul fought diligently to bring his team back in the fourth quarter, the Jazz would not let up. Paul had 28 on the night followed by J.J Redick's 26 points. DeAndre Jordan tried to assist the two guards with his 14 point effort but it was not enough to stop Hayward and the Jazz.
When they heard that Blake Griffin was not playing it was like music to their ears. The Jazz out rebounded the Clippers by 9 boards. When rebounding the ball offensively, the Clippers were held to only three second-chance opportunities compared to Utah's 7. The only other category that could have had a played a difference in the outcome were the number of assists.
The Jazz had 25 and the Clippers had 16.
The team clearly missed the help Blake Griffin provides on the glass and will need Marreese Speights and Luc Mbah a Moute to help collect more scoring opportunities down low in the paint. Combined both players only averaged 7 rebounds per game during the regular season. The next game will be played at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz will use the home court advantage to potential rap up the series.