Jazz Defeat Clippers, 104-91, in Game 7

The Utah Jazz defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 104-91, in Game 7 of the
Western Conference first-round playoffs at Staples Center on Sunday. Game 7 is
sports fans favorite two words and these teams left it all on the floor in this
critical matchup. Utah were in control for the majority of this game though, as
they led for over 46 minutes and never allowed the Clippers to lead by more than
one point. In addition, Utah led by at least eight points for the final 20
minutes. Rebounding was a huge factor for Utah, as they outrebounded Los
Angeles, 46-38. The Jazz ended up shooting 51 percent from the field, 46 percent
from three-point range and 78 percent from the free-throw line, while holding
the Clippers to 43 percent from the field, 24 percent from long range and 58
percent from the charity stripe. The Jazz (4-3) are now on their way to the
second-round, as they pulled out the unlikely task of winning a Game 7 on the
road, Gordon Hayward led the way for Utah, as he collected 26 points, eight
rebounds and three assists. George Hill finished second among starters, tallying
17 points, four rebounds and five assists. Derrick Favors was fantastic off the
bench, providing 17 points, 11 rebounds and three assists on 8-of-11 from the
field. Joe Johnson also played well off the bench, totaling 10 points, seven
rebounds and five assists. The Clippers (3-4) had a great opportunity at home to
close this series out, but the loss of Blake Griffin was simply too much to
overcome. DeAndre Jordan led Los Angeles, as he amassed 24 points and 17
rebounds. Chris Paul went just 6-of-19 from the field, but still accrued 13
points, four rebounds and nine assists. Jamal Crawford was huge off the bench,
contributing 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. That completes the
series win for Utah, as they now travel to face the top-seeded Golden State
Warriors.