Bogdanovic, Mitchell Bounce Back In First Half Versus Pistons
Mar 7, 2020, 6:16 PM | Updated: 6:19 pm
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz congratulates Bojan Bogdanovic #44 (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
DETROIT, Michigan – After one of their worst combined performances against the Boston Celtics, Bojan Bogdanovic and Donovan Mitchell bounced back in the first half against the Detroit Pistons on the second night of back to back games.
The Jazz two leading scorers for the season scored a combined 19 points on 5-24 shooting against the Celtics but found better success against the lowly Pistons. Mitchell carried the Jazz in the first quarter, scoring nine first-quarter points and nearly matching his 11 total points against Boston. The first time All-Star connected on 4-5 shots powering the Jazz to a 28-17 point lead after one quarter.
Don with 9 points in the Q🔥#MACU3 | @MountainAmerica pic.twitter.com/0WeejyQY0d
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 8, 2020
Bogdanovic took over the second quarter for the Jazz.
The Croatian forward scored nine of his 16 first-half points in the second quarter. Like Mitchell, Bogdanvic connected on 4-5 shot attempts in the quarter, including a series of impressive low post moves against smaller defenders.
Bogey is NIIICEE 👌 pic.twitter.com/lRP6tpNbVf
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 8, 2020
The team meanwhile carried over its strong defensive performance from Boston into Detroit. The Jazz allowed just 39 first-quarter points after surrendering only 94 points against the Celtics on Friday night. The Jazz allowed just 45 points in the second half to knock off Boston at home.
The Jazz have struggled defensively in recent weeks, including allowing 131 points to the Phoenix Suns in a blowout loss in Salt Lake City. If the team can return to its defensive roots, it should see major success to close the season.
The team has the best offense in the NBA since the turn of the new year.
