New Jersey Nets vs. Utah Jazz
Utah bounced back nicely and outlasted the New Jersey Nets 98-88 at Energy Solutions Arena, Salt Lake City. The atmosphere at the stadium was amazing where a crowd of 19,314 fans enjoyed themselves, especially a moment when little cartoon birdies were happily
fluttering around the Utah Jazz bench.
Paul Millsap recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 19 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz in victory over the visiting competitor.
Prominent Players
The starters were very efficient around the court, as the Jazz saw all five starters reach double figures in scoring for the first time all season. Deron Williams had a team-high 23 points and eight assists. P. Millsap contributed with 19 points, 4 assists
and 15 rebounds.
Anthony Morrow led the Nets with 24 points, while Devin Harris had 19 points and 8 assists. 17 points and 8 rebounds were put in by B. Lopez.
Game Story
The game presented by Jazz was not the one among their best plays, even though they shot just 40 percent from the field and hit only 1-for-12 from behind the 3-point arc, the Jazz were efficient when they needed to be. They took full advantage of the available
opportunity around the court.
The first quarter of the game was headed by the Nets. The Jazz shot poorly in the first quarter, making just seven of 20 attempts from the field as the Nets finished it with a 25-24 lead. But after that, even though they never did shoot the ball particularly
well, the Jazz played the final three quarters fantastically.
From the second quarter onward they game was fully played and controlled by Jazz. Jazz took a 6 points lead at the end of the first half of play. The Jazz took flawless care of the basketball against the Nets, committing just five turnovers. They had just
one turnover in the first half. The lead was further extended to 10 points by the end of the game.
However, whatever success the Jazz enjoyed against the Nets, their defense was the key.
Turning point of the Game
The Jazz took their biggest lead at 71-58 in the third quarter, and needed the cushion, as New Jersey got within five points in the final three minutes. Nets Raja Bell's 15-foot jumper with two minutes left in the game made it 93-86, and finally put it away.
Speedometer
Nets center Brook Lopez was unstoppable in the first half, as he scored all of his 17 points before the break.
Notable
It was the first time this season that all five Jazz starters scored in double figures. Utah shot 1-for-12 from 3-point range.
Quotable
Jazz coach Jerry Sloan was satisfied and pleased with the incredible performance of Millsap. He said "Paul is one of those guys that just comes and works all the time. He's a pleasure to work with because he comes and works every single day he comes to practice,
tries to make himself better".
Nets coach Avery Johnson seemed to be very concerned by his team's solid defensive effort and struggles on offense, as he said "We hold them to 40 percent shooting from the field and give up 98 points. But we couldn't drop it in the ocean as a team tonight.
Shooting 37 percent from the field is not good".
Up Next
With a new ray of hope, Nets will play its next match against Kings on Friday, November 19, 2010 at ARCO Arena, Sacramento.
With encouragement from their latest victory, Jazz will take on the Spurs on Friday, November 19, 2010 at Energy Solutions Arena, Salt Lake City.
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