Jazz Fall At Home To Sixers, 114-97

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz were doomed by a strong second half by the Philadelphia 76ers in a 114-97 loss.

Following a blowout Christmas Day win over Portland on Tuesday, the Jazz couldn’t keep pace with the stars of the Sixers in the major defeat on Thursday.

It was a disappointing showing for Utah, who had won five of its last six games at home prior to the contest against Philly.

That will do it.
See you Saturday. pic.twitter.com/79Do0WJK8o

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 28, 2018

Sixers Stars Shine In Utah

The Jazz took a 29-22 lead after the first quarter, thanks to a four-point play by Kyle Korver in the closing seconds of the period.

Although the Jazz had four scorers in double figures by halftime, the Sixers’ trio of Joel Embiid, JJ Redick and Ben Simmons surged at the end of the second quarter. They led Philadelphia on a 9-2 run to erase a Jazz lead and take a 57-52 lead at the halftime break.

After grabbing the lead in the second quarter, the Sixers put the foot on the gas and raced to what was at most a 19-point lead in the third quarter. Joe Ingles drilled a three just before time expired in the third, but the Sixers still held a 95-79 lead going into the final period.

Despite the opposing team’s overall success in the period, the Jazz’s Dante Exum was excellent in the period, leading all scorers with nine points in the quarter.

Has Danté missed a 3 tonight? pic.twitter.com/kIew1jWppw

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 28, 2018

The fourth quarter was low scoring from both teams as the benches were emptied and the clock was run out.

Simmons Receives Boos, Drops Triple-Double Anyway

Simmons, who received plenty of boos from the Jazz faithful, registered his fifth triple-double of the season with 13 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. The hostile response from the Jazz crowd was most likely due to the fact that Simmons beat out Jazz fan favorite Donovan Mitchell for last season’s rookie of the year award.

Ben Simmons and fellow Aussie Joe Ingles exchange a pregame hug. No love or even acknowledgment between Donovan Mitchell and Simmons. And, to the surprise of nobody, the Utah crowd boos as soon as Simmons touches the ball.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 28, 2018

Embiid, Redick Turn In Strong Performances

Redick scored a game-high 24 points while Embiid turned a double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds.

“We moved the ball, I thought defensively we got our mojo back, we got our juice back so that was good to see. I felt like I, personally, did a better job defensively but we just moved the ball, we played together,” said Embiid after the game.

Mitchell Teases New Shoe Prior To Game

Mitchell led the Jazz with 23 points while Exum posted a season high 20 points in the loss.

Danté with a season-high 20 points 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/V4MIrItMDn

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 28, 2018

After unveiling his Adidas signature sneaker line earlier in the day, Donovan Mitchell debuted his shoe during warmups before a nationally-televised game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Mitchell entered the arena Thursday night with a pair of his Adidas D.O.N. Issue 1 sneakers in an unseen red and gold colorway.

Steez in hand 👀 pic.twitter.com/rQu8HTmSP2

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 28, 2018

He did not wear the sneakers in the game, playing instead in a gold-colored edition of the Adidas Pro Vision.

.@spidadmitchell wearing the Adidas Pro Vision against Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/CAGVpqCO7t

— B/R Kicks (@brkicks) December 28, 2018

Up Next

The Jazz will remain at home and host the New York Knicks Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet.