Los Angeles Clippers secure dramatic victory over Utah Jazz 107 - 105 – NBA Recap
The visiting Los Angeles Clippers handed over a 107-105 defeat to Utah Jazz after a nail biting match. The closely contested game was signified by a great display of athletic skills by Clippers stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, who turned the game at Energy Solutions Arena into centre stage for crazy dunks and clutch shooting.
The most talked about dunker on the planet was back to work on Wednesday night; Blake Griffin was a sight to behold with a promising double-double consisting of 31 points and 14 rebounds. He scored much of his points with awe inspiring dunks.
Point guard Chris Paul was equally impressive with 11 assists and 34 points, as the Clippers secured their first win in Utah since 2003. Last but not least, Mo Williams contributed with 19 points in this much awaited victory for Clippers.
The Jazz, who have been on a great run so far in the season with 12 wins, put a very clear message that they won’t go down without a fight. Five players from Utah crossed the double figure index.
Al Jefferson hammered a double-double with 12 rebounds and 27 points and was followed by C.J. Miles 16 point contribution. Paul Millsap and Derrick Favors scored 14 points each and forward Gordon Hayward came up with 12 points.
Both teams shifted into top gear right from the first quarter, which was a relatively high scoring affair. Los Angeles in particular exploded out of the blocks as their first five field goals in the game were dunks. After some exciting play, the segment closed at 32-29, Clippers in the lead.
Jazz hit the Clippers hard with a 8-0 run at the start of the second quarter and it seemed that Jazz were unstoppable as they kept on scoring and further stretched the lead. Clippers though, persevered to slowly eat away the lead and by the end of second quarter, they had reduced the gap to 58-56.
Griffin took charge in the third quarter as he scored 4 points in a row and provided the Clippers with the lead. The third quarter though was shadowed by great defensive play as both teams scored 16 points each and Jazz maintained their slight advantage, 74-72.
The game boiled down to the fourth quarter with the matter balanced on the wire. Both sides traded shots with neither team backing down and allowing the other to consolidate an advantage.
In the deciding moments, C.J. Miles drained home a huge 3 pointer and the deficit was narrowed to 1 point, leaving just 8 seconds on the clock. Miles then fouled, sending Chauncey Billups to the free throw line where he successfully cashed in for the Clippers.
Harris then went to the charity stripe for the Jazz and was able to drain two clutch free throws. It all came down to Miles who had the ball at the line with just over a second remaining. Unfortunately for Utah, he succumbed to the pressure and missed his second attempt. The Jazz weren’t able to get the rebound and the clock ran out, 107 – 105.
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