Jazz 109, Rockets 101: Biggest Winners & Losers
The Utah Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets, 109-101, in a testy contest throughout the fourth quarter. The game was competitive early on until the Jazz begin to seize control in the second quarter.
The Jazz eventually raced out to a 19-point lead in the second half but allowed the Rockets to get within three points in the fourth quarter. But late in the fourth quarter, the Jazz out-executed the Rockets and held on for the victory.
The Jazz were led in scoring by Lauri Markkanen's 24 points and nine rebounds and Jordan Clarkson's 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The Jazz had five double-digit scorers, and two were off the bench.
Unfortunately, Collin Sexton had to exit the game with a left oblique contusion and did not return. The Rockets were led in scoring by Kevin Porter Jr's 24 points, five assists, and five rebounds. The Rockets had six double-digit scorers, with two from their bench.
After the game, Jazz head coach Will Hardy said, "Tonight was a disjointed game".
The Jazz forced 19 turnovers and held the Rockets to only five points in the final five minutes. The Jazz currently rank No. 2 in steals in the NBA and No. 8 in blocks.
The win allowed the Jazz to avenge their only loss of the season, which was against the Rockets two days prior, and raised their record to 4-1. Now, let's review the biggest winners and losers from Wednesday's contest.
Winner: Talen Horton-Tucker
Loser: Jarred Vanderbilt
Winner: Entire Jazz Team
Loser: The Officials
Bottom Line
I expected the Jazz to win this contest and continue to move forward as they did. When you review the list of preseason teams not expected to make the playoffs, the Jazz were clearly the best of that bunch.
But now, in the regular season, the Jazz are still surprising but not shocking and will defeat the Rockets more times than not. The Jazz are now 4-1 and sit atop the division, and seem confident in the day-to-day and game-by-game mentality.
Friday's upcoming test against the Denver Nuggets will be the toughest challenge yet for the Jazz.
Follow James on Twitter @jlewNBA.