In one of the most complete games of their season, the Utah Jazz handily defeated the Golden State Warriors 110-100.
Why the Jazz won: When these two squads faced each other at EnergySolutions Arena a few weeks ago, the Jazz appeared to be intimidated and shell-shocked by Golden State’s high-octane offense, remarkable perimeter shooting and swarming defense. Things were vastly different Friday as Utah played the role of the aggressor, coming out with great energy and solid team play. The Jazz helped contain their opponent’s 3-point attack, while absolutely controlling the boards. Perhaps the biggest positive is scoring 110 points against one the NBA’s elite defenses.
Turning point: Golden State’s potent offense is always poised to go on some torrid runs. After the Jazz came out firing and built up an early lead, most were expecting one such Warriors spurt. With just three minutes left in the first half, All-Star starter Stephen Curry connected on two stellar 3-pointers within 30 seconds, bringing the Warriors within five points. Then Trevor Booker came into the picture. The always hustling forward scored eight points in an exciting 10-4 run that helped Utah maintain momentum going into halftime.
What it means: A young team tends to have a fair share of ups and an even greater portion of downs during the course of an NBA season. Utah is no exception, with this week being prime evidence. After losing a disappointing game to the Boston Celtics, the Jazz held their own versus the Los Angeles Clippers and then defeated the team with the league’s best record. Utah is showing the ability to get up for high-profile opponents. It needs to display consistent effort no matter who it faces.
Grading the performance: The emotion with which the Jazz played was the highlight. They were focused and ready from the get-go, and while there were a few stagnant lulls, they were able to keep things going most of the evening. Gordon Hayward had a huge performance, tallying 26 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Five others reached double-digits. The rebounding effort and some pesky defense contributed heavily to the victory.
Utah Jazz grade: A-
The Warriors seemed a bit listless and disinterested, dropping their second game in a row. Curry played at his usual high level, but teammates Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes and David Lee were kept in check. Several of Golden State’s fortes, such as their outside shooting and constant passing, were off. Golden State's loss, combined with a win by the Atlanta Hawks, moves the Warriors to the second-best record in the league.
Golden State Warriors grade: C
Three telling stats:
— Utah’s bench outscored their counterparts 51-41. The advantage was actually 51-24 midway through the fourth quarter, but the Golden State reserves scored 17 points to close things out.
— Led by Hayward, three Jazz players snatched 10 or more rebounds. Outrebounding a team 55-41 is a great recipe for success.
— After tallying just four assists over two games (and 114 collective minutes), Utah’s point guard tandem of Dante Exum and Trey Burke handed out eight Friday, with seven of them credited to Burke.
Up next: Utah will enjoy a three-day respite before facing LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday evening in Rose City.
David Smith provides instant analysis for Deseret News' Utah Jazz coverage. He works for LDS Philanthropies and also writes for Salt City Hoops (ESPN's Jazz affiliate). He can be reached at mechakucha1@gmail.com or on Twitter at davidjsmith1232.