Gordon Hayward puts on a show as Utah Jazz outwrestle Minnesota Timberwolves for 111 – 105 overtime win – NBA Recap
The Utah Jazz delighted a packed EnergySolutions Arena crowd with a thrilling overtime win over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. The game on Thursday was too close to call right until the end and only in extra time could the two teams be separated.
Gordon Hayward led Utah’s charge with a season high 26 points coming off the bench. Jazz point guard Devin Harris scored 18 while Paul Millsap had 16 points and 11 boards, including some key plays in overtime after he had missed a chance to win the game for the Jazz in regulation.
"I had to [redeem myself]. Our team fought too hard to lose that game. Our team fought and fought. I just wanted to be aggressive and see what happened after that." Millsap said.
Star forward Kevin Love was once again the spearhead of Minnesota’s attack, scoring team high 25 points and hauling down 16 rebounds for his double-double. Love had terrific support from fellow big man Nikola Pekovic, with the Timberwolves centre narrowly missing out on a double-double; he had 20 points and 9 boards.
Luke Ridnour did a great job at the point guard position with 18 points and 13 assists.
The teams got off to an even start and were hard to separate in the first quarter. The scores remained close and Utah had an 8 – 0 run to thank for a 22 – 18 lead, while they ended on 24 – 20.
The Jazz started the second period in aggressive fashion, using a 6 – 0 burst to take their lead into double-digits. That advantage came down to single digits soon enough, however the Jazz remained ahead until halftime; and went into the break at 53 – 47.
The third quarter was an even handed affair. The status quo didn’t change as the sides played out an intense period, Jazz poised for a win going into the final segment at 77 – 71.
Utah charged into the final 12 minutes and soon increased their lead to 12 points, 92 – 80. Timberwolves however chased them down, and Pekovic made a layup right at the end to draw level; 99 – 99.
Millsap had a chance to win the game afterwards but missed his layup, taking the game into overtime.
He made up for it in overtime however, playing a significant role in the 8 – 0 burst that clinched the game for the home side; 111 – 105.
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