The Utah Jazz defeated the Brooklyn Nets 119-114. Once again this 2019-20 Nets team lost a game that they should have won. Brooklyn has now had a number of close games go in the opposite direction to start the season, and tonight was the same story, different night. The Nets turned the ball over and didn’t defend, which they have consistently done through 10 games. Brooklyn started off the game very well, outscoring Utah 35-29 in the first quarter. The Nets finally held their opponent to under 30 points in the first quarter (barely), and were playing very good team basketball. That continued in the second quarter, as it looked like the Nets were gonna run away from a tired Jazz team playing in the second half of a back to back. However, things changed to start the second half. After taking a 15 point lead into halftime, the Jazz came out of the gates red hot in the third quarter and opened up on a 13-0 to completely wipe away the Nets lead. Brooklyn was just chucking up threes to start the third, and went scoreless for the first four minutes. They got back on track towards the end of the quarter, but were still outscored 31-24 in the 4th. Utah turned to roll players Emmanuel Mudiay and Jeff Green early on in the 4th quarter, which allowed them to take a 5 point lead with about 7 minutes to go. Joe Harris and DeAndre Jordan had numerous big plays down the stretch, and the Nets and Jazz found themselves tied with 1:15 to go. Rudy Gobert followed up a missed Donovan Mitchell layup to take the lead with 50 seconds to go, and then Kyrie Irving was unable to hit a makeable floater on the next possession. After a successful coaches challenge the Nets got the ball back with 18 seconds to go, but once again Kyrie was unable to give the Nets the lead. Kyrie tried to hit a step back three over Gobert, but it came up short and Utah made their free throws to win the game. Mark this game down as another winnable game for the Nets in which they fell just short. They will look to turn this road trip into a positive one Thursday night against the Nuggets.

Kyrie Irving once again was the Nets’ leading scorer tonight, finishing with 27 points. Kyrie was rather inefficient, shot 10-30 from the field, but had moments in the game where he was unstoppable. Kyrie was unable to get one to fall late, which I’m sure he’s disappointed in. DeAndre Jordan had a nice game tonight, finishing with 15 points and 17 rebounds. Jordan played 31 minutes tonight due to Jarrett Allen’s foul trouble (Jarrett fouled out after scoring only 4 points) and was a force all night long. Spencer Dinwiddie continued his positive road trip, recording 21 points on 7-16 shooting. Dinwiddie is starting to round into form after a shaky start, and is taking command of Brooklyn’s second unit. Lastly, Taurean Prince (15 points on 6-9 shooting) Dzanan Musa (9 points on 4-5 shooting) and Joe Harris (11 points and 5 rebounds) also chipped in well for Brooklyn.

The Jazz were led tonight by their stellar trio of Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, and Mike Conley. Mitchell led the way for the Jazz, finishing with 30 points and 6 rebounds. Mitchell is one of the best point guards in the NBA, and proved it tonight. The reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert had a very nice game, finishing with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Gobert was super efficient, finished 8-10 from the field, and per usual was a force near the basket (finished with 2 blocks). Mike Conley had a nice game, recording 18 points and 5 assists. Conley fits in well with the Jazz, and should help them make a deep run in the Western Conference playoffs. Lastly, Emmanuel Mudiay (15 points on 4-8 shooting) and Jeff Green (13 points and 4 rebounds) came up big in the Jazz’s victory.

What’s Next?

Brooklyn travels to Denver to take on the Nuggets Thursday night (TNT Game), while Utah travels to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies Friday night.

#WeGoHard