Donovan Mitchell had 24 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals, and the Utah Jazz captured their ninth consecutive victory, a 114-96 decision over the host Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, February 17 (Thursday, February 18, Philippine time).
Rudy Gobert contributed 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting and grabbed 20 rebounds for the Jazz, who have won 20 of their past 21 games. Utah’s lone setback during that stretch came on January 31 at Denver.
Jordan Clarkson came off the Utah bench to score 18 points while Joe Ingles chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. Royce O’Neale had 12 points and 8 boards.
The Clippers again played without Kawhi Leonard (leg), Paul George (toe), and Nicolas Batum (concussion).
Although the Clippers were able to earn a surprising win over the Miami Heat on Monday without the 3 and Patrick Beverley (rest), they had no such luck against the Western Conference-leading Jazz.
Lou Williams had 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and Reggie Jackson added 15 points for the Clippers, who had their four-game winning streak snapped. Amir Coffey added 13 points while Serge Ibaka scored 10.
Neither team led by more than 6 points through the first 3 quarters. However, the Jazz seized control in the 4th, using a 19-7 surge for a 100-82 lead after Clarkson’s three-pointer with 6:53 remaining. Los Angeles never recovered.
Utah took an 81-75 lead into the 4th.
The Clippers wiped out an early deficit with an 11-2 run for a 38-34 edge after a foul shot by Williams midway through the 2nd quarter.
A bucket by Utah’s Derrick Favors knotted the score at 40, but the Clippers regained the lead and grabbed a 51-46 advantage at the break.
Williams led all scorers with 14 first-half points. Mitchell topped Utah with 12 points before intermission.
The Clippers outshot the Jazz 48.8% to 38.8% in the first half. Overall, the Jazz converted 42.9% from the floor while the Clippers made 44.2%.
Los Angeles was hurt by 18 turnovers while Utah gave the ball away 13 times. – Rappler.com
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