Game Summary

The Utah Jazz’s offense looked like it had given all it could. Without Rodney Hood hitting a single jumpshot, going 0-11 from the field, the Jazz had squeezed out every last bit of offense from Ricky Rubio, Donovan Mitchell, and Rudy Gobert. The Portland Trailblazer wrecking crew of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum looked primed to put the game away ... until they didn’t.

Ricky Rubio exploded in the fourth quarter hitting three after three. Donovan Mitchell was subbed in for Rodney Hood after Hood’s eleventh miss from the field, and he didn’t look back. Mitchell ended up finishing the game with 28 points and dueling point for point at one juncture in the 4th with his newfound PDX mentor, Damian Lillard.

With the game tied with only seconds to go, Portland had the ball. This looked like prime Dame Dolla time, but in that possession CJ McCollum coughed up the ball after what should have been a travel or a double dribble or both. Rubio sprinted downcourt only to run into a firmly planted Damian Lillard and Rubio was called for the travel. Once again, prime Dame Dolla time was upon Utah and Portland had last call.

Damian Lillard attacked the rim but was met with Rudy Gobert. Rudy blocked the shot to keep the game tied and sent it to overtime.

In overtime, Ricky Rubio took over, scoring 11 points in the extra minutes. Donovan Mitchell pitched in a few more in the overtime minutes. But at the end of the day, this was Ricky’s game. He finished with 30 points, 5 rebounds, only 1 assist, and 2 steals. With Ricky’s strong play and Utah’s stout defense, the Utah Jazz put the game away.

Game Notes

Ricky Rubio’s 30 point night was the 2nd biggest scoring total of his career and his season high. Ricky Rubio only had 1 assist which for Ricky is rare. Forget Jason Kidd, Ricky Rubio is doing his best scoring guard impression.

Donovan Mitchell became only the 2nd Jazzman in Utah Jazz history to record two 22 point or more games in his first 8 games. The other Jazzman? You guessed it. Darrell Griffith. Must be a thing with these Louisville guards.

Rudy Gobert was a defensive monster. The Utah Jazz were able to stay in this game due to his strong defense. He finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks. Rudy is averaging 2.9 blocks for the season.

Sefolosha’s defense was instrumental in the fourth quarter. He finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Sefolosha also had a play that is sure to get reviewed by the league tomorrow. In a run in with a screen set by Nurkic, he kneed Nurkic in the jewels. If Ingles’s slight tap on Adams earned him a fine, Sefolosha is sure to have a bill from the league.

Jonas Jerebko got his first minutes of action tonight and he was ready for his number to be called. He hit a huge 3 in the 4th quarter and was part of that lineup that went blow for blow with Portland in that crazy 4th quarter. He finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. He looks to be the one who has the most to gain from Joe Johnson’s absence.

Rodney Hood had a rough game going 0-11 and 0 points. Kudos to Hood, though. He didn’t sulk on the bench. He was seen cheering Mitchell on one of his AND1 plays.

The Utah Jazz are now 5-3 and tied for 3rd in the Western Conference. Yeah, this season doesn’t make any sense.