The Utah Jazz got back to winning ways with a much-needed victory over the New Orleans Hornets Friday night in Salt Lake City. This win keeps the Jazz just a half a game behind the Lakers, provided the team from L.A. wins their own game against Memphis.
The Hornets took an early lead, but the Jazz bench helped to fight back in the second quarter, earning Utah the lead before halftime.
The Jazz had a number of players step up on the night, with Paul Millsap picking up 17 points before halftime, and finishing the game with 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Gordon Hayward had an excellent second half, and ended the game with 23 points. Derrick Favors also added 10 points and 10 rebounds from the bench.
After a setback against Denver on Wednesday, this was an important win for the Jazz, who are fightin against the Lakers for that all-important eighth playoff spot. The Jazz are now 40-37 for the season.
Read on for some of the best tweets from Jazz nation throughout the night.
Utah Jazz: Big bounce-back win for the Jazz over the Hornets
Utah Jazz: Makeshift lineup turns tide in Utah’s favor in second quarter vs. New Orleans
Utah Jazz instant analysis: Jazz take care of business against Hornets
Utah Jazz report card: Gordon Hayward, Paul Millsap lift Jazz over Hornets
Utah Jazz notebook: Jazz players appalled by actions of ex-Rutgers coach Mike Rice