The Utah Jazz have been struggling as of late, while the Memphis Grizzlies have been rolling. Saturday night the tides turned as the Jazz used a strong defensive second half to pickup a much-needed win as they continue to push towards the postseason.
Jazz vs. Grizzlies final: Utah picks up big win, drop Memphis 90-84
Jazz keep pressure on Lakers with win over Memphis, now a half game back for eighth place in the West.
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
After an even first quarter, the Grizzlies found their offensive groove, scoring 29 points in the second quarter to take a 50-45 lead going into halftime. Not typically known for their defense, the Jazz held the Grizzlies to nine points in the third quarter to take a ten-point lead at the end of three quarters. Four of the five Jazz starters, led by Gordon Hayward's 17, scored in double figures, while Derrick Favors added 10 points, six rebounds and two blocks off the bench.
Memphis rode the hot shooting of Jerryd Bayless to pull within three with a minute to play. However, the Jazz were able to trap Bayless and force a turnover. A Gordon Hayward three put the Jazz up six with 17 seconds left to put the game away. Bayless led all scorers with 24 points.
The win moved the Jazz within a half game of the Los Angeles Lakers for eighth place in the Western Conference. The loss put Memphis into a tie for fourth place with the Denver Nuggets.
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