The Utah Jazz (19-24) defeated the Brooklyn Nets (11-33) 108-86 on Friday.
After the Nets carried a slight 23-22 advantage going into the second period, Utah took over on both sides of the ball and effectively dominated the remainder of the contest. The Jazz shot 57.3 percent from the field, and almost matched the number from long range, amassing a 56.3 percent success rate from beyond the arc. They held Brooklyn to 63 points over the last three quarters, including 17 apiece in the second and third periods. The visitors also established a distinct advantage down low, hauling in 40 boards to Brooklyn's 24, and outscoring them in the paint, 54-42.
As has often been the case during forward Derrick Favors' extended absence, Gordon Hayward spearheaded the Jazz's attack. He posted 21 points, but also set up his teammates with scoring opportunities of their own by dishing out nine assists. The sixth-year pro also added four rebounds and a steal to his stat line. Rodney Hood, who's become a dependable secondary source of production, managed 16 points, five rebounds and an assist. Rudy Gobert did a solid job keeping the offensively proficient Brook Lopez in check, and pitched in with 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Raul Neto and Trey Lyles matched Gobert's scoring total, with the former also adding a pair of rebounds and a pair of assists, and the latter hauling in five boards and recording a steal. Trevor Booker led the reserves with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Trey Burke pitched in with 12 points and three rebounds in a reserve role as well.
With the win, Utah remains in second place in the Western Conference's Northwest Division. They head home to face off against the Pistons on Monday.
Up against the Stifle Tower, Brook Lopez found himself largely stymied on the night. He registered eight points, three rebounds and a pair of steals in only 19 minutes of action, equaling his lowest allotment of playing time on the season. Bojan Bogdanovic actually led the Nets in scoring off the bench, amassing 14 points and hauling in a rebound. Willie Reed, also a reserve, was the second-leading scorer, collecting 12 points, three rebounds and a pair of assists. Wayne Ellington, who'd struggled offensively since taking over starting two-guard duties, tallied 11 points, a rebound and an assist. Thaddeus Young was the only other starter in double digits, totaling 10 points, two rebounds an an assist. By game's end, the bench had outscored the starting unit, 47-39.
Despite the loss, Brooklyn holds on to fourth place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division. They remain home to face the OKC Thunder on Sunday afternoon.
