(38-22) Utah Jazz 118- 114 Phoenix Suns (49-12)
Juicy Sunday NBA appointment. At the top of the Western Conference rankings, the Utah Jazz – 7-1 in February with the NBA’s best bout, for Cleaning The Glass – they go to visit the very fast Suns, against whom they have only collected defeats in the last six crossings. In case of victory Phoenix could become the first team to reach 50 wins this season, but must deal with several absences due to injuries, especially in the backcourt – above all that of Chris Paul.
Timeout forced already at the start for Quin Snyder after the initial 0-8: five points and a triple to target for Ayton, very involved.
This is the first time in DA’s career with back-to-back games with a three-point make. ???? pic.twitter.com/8mGwzhW44n
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 27, 2022
On the scoresheet also Cam Johnson, triggered in the first action of the match by the penetration and discharge of Mikal Bridges. Utah signs up for the game, but the Suns bite their opponents in the ankles putting great pressure on the defense and solidifying on offense. The hosts run away accumulating a double-digit advantage in the first 5 ‘minutes (9-10 at the team shot). Utah is forced to feats to stay hooked and, after slipping to -14 (10-24), clings to Donovan Mitchell – at 10 personal points thanks to the play for four just over the middle of the 1st period. The triple of the returning Rudy Gay brings his team back to -2 and then Gobert converts Clarkson’s lob for a tie at 32 after 12 ‘of the game.
Utah moves the score in the second quarter by putting his head forward thanks to Mike Conley’s triple, the seventh of the evening for the Jazz (35-32). They show no sign of decreasing the pace and intensity of the race, with the guests also finding +7 after Bogdanovic’s power stop (50-43).
How do you say ???????????????????? ???????? in Croatian? ????#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/nB7MVJ1aGr
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 27, 2022
Phoenix resumes the lead with a partial of 17-6 and goes to rest on +4 (56-60). After the break, the teams show that they have not lost their edge: a couple of triples on each side in the first two minutes and small change (64-71). Utah momentarily returns to just one possession away but is pushed back by Booker’s first triple of the night. The challenge still does not find a master: two three-point baskets by Jordan Clarkson bring Utah to +4 and Gobert’s adventurous tap sets the partial 12 ‘from the end at 94-89 in favor of the guests after the 1-2 from the bezel of newcomer Aaron Holiday.
Cam Johnson inaugurates the final quarter by sending the triple to the target for points 21,22 and 23 of his race and puts in only two points between the formations (94-92). Utah, however, has the merit of responding blow for blow. Clarkson puts his signature, first with the assist in penetrating and unloading for the triple from Danuel House and then with the personal solution from the mid range (110-101). Phoenix’s latest comeback attempt passes through Devin Booker’s hands. The basket at the end of 24 seconds by Donovan Mitchell, with less than 2 ‘left to play, strongly directs the game and digs a furrow of 10 points (116-106).
things you love to see: ⤵️#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/4WyST4vJxy
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 27, 2022
It seems over, but again two heavy baskets, by Booker and Crowder, keep the result in the balance. Crowder, however, throws away the possession that could have brought him to a draw for the overtime with an extremely reckless pass on the side lane that ends near the Suns bench. There are 2.1 seconds left on the clock and for Utah it is enough to put the ball back on the field. Obviously on the part of the hosts, but Conley’s 1-2 rewards the Jazz, who beat the Footprint Center 118-114.
26 points with 8-20 shooting for Donovan Mitchell, whose numbers are adequately supported by Gobert’s double double (16 points, 14 rebounds) and by 22 points with 10-17 of the usual spoiler coming off the bench named Jordan Clarkson. Phoenix Booker side writes 30 with 50% shot. Excellent contribution from the aforementioned Cam Johnson (23 points with 7-11 and four triples). Ayton also scored 23 points (11-15 shooting). The center also captures seven rebounds.
