:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45912710/usa-today-8452308.0.jpg)
Wow, I'm not going to bag on the Charlotte Hornets, or their former Utah Jazz -men Al Jefferson (10 pts, 11 shots), Marvin Williams (3 pts, 5 shots), and Mo Williams (7 pts, 12 shots). They fought hard, and valiantly, and were great representatives of what their Eastern Conference playoff team looks like. They just lost, by quite a bit, to one of the worst teams in the Western Conference. Playing without a starter.
The Hornets had 46 points after 36 minutes, in this game. The Jazz had 61 points at halftime. There was no way they would catch up. The Jazz were just on fire from deep, setting the tone early by making these shots over and over again. Utah would finish with 15 made threes, nearly a record. The game was not close, our players wanted it more. Played better. And made sure there would be no surprises beyond the final score.
The fourth quarter was ugly, the Jazz only scored 9 points -- but the game was over, and there was so much extended garbage time -- it wasn't a fun finish.
Rudy Gobert had 9 points (4 shots), 22 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.
Gordon Hayward had 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block.
Derrick Favors had 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block.
Dante Exum had 11 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists.
And fellow rookie Rodney Hood had 25 points (9/11 shooting, 5/5 from deep), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
This is a starting lineup that is frightening when you look at the pace of play.
Lance Stephenson tried to do his thing, but his circus act was a little too late to matter. This was a drubbing. Plain and simple. More on this tomorrow in the Rewind . . .
Solid, dominating victory. The Utah Jazz are now 30-36, and play next on Wednesday -- hosting the Washington Wizards. That will be the last time the Jazz play a team from the East this season, unless they make the NBA Finals.