Jazz Defeat Wizards, 102-92

The Utah Jazz defeated the host Washington Wizards, 102-92, at Verizon Center on
Sunday. Washington have been one of the best home teams in the NBA this season,
but this was a tough task against a feisty Utah team. The Jazz dominated from
start to finish, as they led for over 42 minutes of this game and led by at
least six points for the entirety of the second half. The second quarter is
where they spread it out, outscoring the Wizards, 25-15. Rebounding was the
glaring difference in the game, with Utah wining that battle, 52-27. They also
dominated the points off turnover differential, winning that, 31-16. The Jazz
(37-22) have quietly been climbing up the standings and road wins like this
should surely be opening other teams eyes. Gordon Hayward led the way for Utah,
as he tallied 30 points, nine rebounds and two assists. George Hill wasn’t far
behind, finishing with 21 points, three rebounds and six assists. Rudy Gobert
finished with another double-double, totaling 15 points, 20 rebounds, three
assists and four blocks. On deck for the Jazz is a road matchup against the
Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. The Wizards (34-23) had just seven losses at
home coming into this matchup and this was easily their worst home performance
of the season. John Wall did collect 30 points, 11 assists and four steals, but
committed nine turnovers against this tough Utah defense. Bradley Beal was the
only other starter in double figures, as he amassed 22 points, three rebounds
and four assists. Bojan Bogdanovic led the bench, as he provided 15 points.
Things don’t get any easier, as Washington hosts the Golden State Warriors for
their next game on Tuesday.