Since the Karl-Anthony Towns injury, Wolves have won three of their four matches. Granted, they’re no better off without him, but his absence allows them to play with a single interior, and it gives their exteriors more space. The Jazz paid the price last night.
Despite a good outside address from the Jazz to start the game (5/8), it was the Wolves who took the lead by dominating the debates near the circle thanks to the aggressive duo Anthony Edwards – D’Angelo Russell (28-24) . The second quarter turns into a demonstration by Rudy Gobert. Alone, he closes access to the circle and dominates the Jazz on the other side of the field. In its wake, the Wolves return to the locker room at +15 while Utah only took two shots near the circle in the first half (61-46)!
Without Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and Simone Fontecchio all in the infirmary, the Jazz are relying on Jordan Clarkson and Malik Beasley to get back into the game. They cause six losses of balloons and inflict a 14-4 on Wolves to equalize (79-79). The Jazz, however, will have no answer for D’Angelo Russell in the last quarter. The point guard catches fire and signs a 6 of 6 from 3-pointers to allow Minnesota to win.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Two standing ovations for Rudy Gobert. Returning to Utah for the first time since moving to Minnesota, Rudy Gobert was warmly welcomed by his former audience. During the presentation of the starting five, the Frenchman’s name was drowned in applause. In the first quarter, the Jazz had also planned a video in tribute to the pivot to celebrate his nine seasons in Utah where he notably won three titles of best defender of the year, and that’s all Vivint Smart Arena who stood up to thank the one that fans still consider one of their own.
– Return of Mike Conley Jr. for the Jazz. Injured in the left knee in Portland on November 19, Mike Conley Jr made his return to the Utah rotation this evening. After missing nine games, the playmaker came off the bench and was limited to 25 minutes for his competitive return. He scored 17 points and delivered 6 assists, and should undoubtedly quickly return to the starting lineup.
– D’Angelo Russell confirms his good form at the moment. Will Hardy and the Jazz had decided to start the last quarter with a zone defense, and Russell took pleasure in smashing it. Russell continued winning shot after winning shot, to finish at 6/6 and give victory to his team. Over the last three games, the Minnesota leader is running at 28 points per game at 62% success!
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ D’Angelo Russell. Relatively discreet during the first three quarters, the Wolves leader put his team on his shoulders late in the game, scoring 20 of his 30 points in the last quarter. He finished at 12/16 on shots.
✅ Rudy Gobert. With 22 points and 13 rebounds, the Frenchman reminded all Jazz fans what they lost in the transfer this summer. His activity on both sides of the pitch was decisive.
✅ Kyle Anderson. 15 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds! The former Grizzly has been in the oven and in the mill to assist Russell and Gobert.
✅ Jordan Clarkson – Malik Beasley. The two backs tried everything to hoist their team to victory. Clarkson scored 21 points, Beasley 23, but both players ran out of juice in the final quarter.
⛔ Anthony Edwards. The Wolves star has never been able to find his rhythm or his address. He finished the game with 14 points at 3/14 on shots.
THE FOLLOWING
Utah (15-13) : the Jazz moves to Denver tomorrow.
Minnesota (13-12): the Wolves continue in Portland in back-to-back.
