Jazz win 8th straight game, defeat the Bulls
Jazz win 8th straight game, defeat the Bulls – Despite losing to the Suns in their last game, the Bulls put forth a great effort that they can build on. Chicago has a great chance to bounce back tonight against the best team in the NBA record-wise, the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz are 3rd in the league in scoring at 116.8 points per game and 5th in opponents points per game, at 107.5. Donovan Mitchell leads Utah in scoring at 25.7 points per game, but 5 other players average double-figure scoring for them. The Bulls had three players with double-doubles against Phoenix and they will need similar balance to match Utah. Zach LaVine and Coby White are also returning to the lineup for Chicago.
Clarkson gives Utah boost off the bench
Utah got off to a 17-10 lead, behind 6 points each from Rudy Gobert and Bojan Bogdanovic. The Bulls responded with a 15-9 run, but the Jazz still led 26-25 going into the 2nd. Chicago was very aggressive attacking the basket in the 1st, as 22 of their 25 points came in the paint.
The Bulls took the lead early in the 2nd, behind an 8-0 run. Patrick Williams’ fast break dunk put them up 39-36 with 7 minutes left. Chicago remained in the lead at 45-42 with 3.5 minutes left, largely because of the five times they forced Utah to turn the ball over. The Jazz closed out the quarter on a 16-4 run, to lead 58-49 going into the 2nd half.
In the 1st half, the Bulls had 38 points in the paint, compared to only 20 from the Jazz. Utah made up that 18 point differential from the three point line, as they made 6 more three’s than the Bulls did. The Jazz bench also outperformed Chicago’s with 24 points, compared to 9 from the Bulls’ reserves. Overall, Jordan Clarkson led Utah with 14 points, while LaVine led the Bulls with 11 points.
Bogdanovic halts the Bulls 3rd quarter run
Utah started off 0/5 from the field to begin the 3rd and Chicago took advantage. The Bulls cut the Utah lead down to 60-59, with 8 minutes left. Bogdanovic responded by making 4 out of the next 6 shots for the Jazz, to create some separation at 75-66 with 4 minutes remaining. Utah grew their lead to 88-73, going into the 4th. Bogdanovic had 9 of his 15 points in the quarter
Bulls come up short despite 4th quarter rally
Thaddeus Young scored 8 points early in the 4th, to bring the Bulls back within striking distance. His two free throws reduced the Utah lead to 97-89. After resting the first 9 minutes of the 4th, LaVine came in and scored 5 straight points to make it 107-102 with 3 minutes left in the game. Mitchell responded with a fadeaway jumper on the next possession, which ended up being the dagger. The Jazz beat the Bulls, 113-106
The Jazz set a franchise record 21 straight wins at home in this victory, in addition to their 8th straight win overall. Mitchell led Utah with 26 points, but Gobert also had a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Young led the Bulls with a season-high 25 points, with LaVine adding 23 points and 5 rebounds.
Up Next
Utah (37-11) will look to extend their winning streak against the Magic (17-31) tomorrow at 8pm CT.
Chicago (19-28) will hope to snap their 6 game losing streak against the Nets (34-15) on Sunday at 1pm CT.
Jazz win 8th straight game, defeat the Bulls
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