Jazz down Magic in shootout, 114-107
SALT LAKE CITY -- Despite a sluggish defensive start -- and 40 percent shooting from three by the Orlando Magic -- the Utah Jazz defeated the Magic 114-107. The game was Utah's second in a rare home back-to-back set. Jazz guard Rodney Hood hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with two minutes left to the put Utah up six, then exited the game with what appeared to be a serious right knee injury.
Orlando got off to a hot start, scoring 42 points in the first quarter against the NBA's best defensive team. Magic guard Elfrid Payton forced late rotations in Utah's backcourt, creating open looks beyond the 3-point line for other Orlando players.
Utah rode a 22-8 in the second quarter to gain a small lead on the Magic. The lead didn't last long, however, as Orlando regrouped offensively. The Magic's defense and multiple second-chance scoring opportunities gave Orlando a 65-64 halftime lead.
Orlando looked to still be in charge with the start of the second half until Jazz coach Quin Snyder made a few adjustments that gave Utah an 84-83 lead headed into the fourth quarter.
Both teams went back and forth with the lead in the final frame. For Utah, the play of center Rudy Gobert and Hood gave the team life, while Orlando's ability to generate open shots and get second-chance looks kept them in the game.
However, Orlando couldn't stop the work of Jazz forward Derrick Favors, who threw down a two-handed dunk followed by a free throw to complete a three-point play. Immediately after, Hood made a corner three to put Utah up six and give the Jazz their winning lead.
Hayward led Utah in scoring with 23 points, while Gobert had an impressive 19-point, 19-rebound performance. Payton nearly notched a triple-double with 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists to lead the Magic. Forward Aaron Gordon followed Payton with 18 points and 4 rebounds.
The Jazz play next on Monday in Phoenix against the Suns, while Orlando's next game is in Denver to face the Nuggets. The game was Gobert's 27th in a row with double-digit rebound totals.
NOTES: Utah is nine games over .500 for the first time since Feb. 7 2011. ... Jazz F Joe Ingles is fourth in the NBA in 3-point percentage at 44.1 percent on the season. ... The Jazz haven't lost a game this season when G George Hill scores 20 or more points in a game. ... The Magic own the 2016-17 NBA season record for fewest turnovers in a game at five. ... Utah broadcaster Matt Harpring spent the first two seasons of his NBA career in Orlando. ... The Magic are one of just five NBA teams to increase their win totals over the past three seasons, the other teams including Cleveland and Golden State.