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Just what does one say about this Utah Jazz @ Miami Heat game? The Utah Jazz came out hungry and allowed only 16 points in the first quarter while knocking down almost every three they took in the first quarter. Their 33 points in the first quarter, sparked by a determined Gordon Hayward, made a sick and injured Heat look dazed and confused. I would be too, who are these Jazz? These guys making threes, playing help defense, and finishing off games with big plays on the road?
If they are a glimpse of who this roster can be down the road then sign me up.
The only obstacle Utah faced, besides the refs going crazy with calling technical fouls (Trevor Booker was ejected with two quick whistles the ref probably thought he was still at a South Beach zoo rave...), was Dwyane Wade. No LeBron James -- he was busy losing tonight at home as well, but against the Hawks. No Chris Bosh. Wade gave the Jazz the business and would finish with 42 points, and 21 free throws. For a point of reference, the Heat would get 40 free throws, and the Jazz just 24.
Utah was hot from where it counted tonight, from outside. And at one point they were 8/11 from downtown.The Jazz would lead by double digits almost all the way through the game, and there were plenty of solid performances. Yucca, deservedly, is going to do the long recap tonight -- so I'll end this with just some stats.
- Gordon Hayward: 29 points (only 13 shots!), 7 assists, 6 rebounds
- Enes Kanter: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 three
- Alec Burks: 12 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 threes
- Derrick Favors: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
- Trey Burke: 9 points (3 threes), 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal
- Dante Exum: 10 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
- Rudy Gobert: 6 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist, 1 steal
Like I asked earlier in the game preview, podcast, trivia, and game thread, "can team play beat a star?" The answer tonight is yes.
The Jazz have a day off, then play the Orlando Magic on Friday. And stay online for Yucca's recap soon!