Jazz Battle In Tough Victory Over Thunder

Nov 24, 2021, 8:32 PM | Updated: 8:33 pm

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Utah Jazz Insider

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz overcame a tough performance from the Oklahoma City Thunder and moved to 12-6 with a 110-104 victory.

The Jazz were led by Jordan Clarkson who scored 20 points off the bench, but four starters scored in double-digits to lead the team to victory.

The Thunder were led by Lu Dort who scored 27 points on the night but managed just two points in the final period in the loss.

First Quarter

The Jazz jumped out to a hot 10-2 start but quickly cooled off while the Thunder stole their momentum.

Oklahoma City answered the Jazz run with an 11-0 run midway through the quarter to recapture the lead from the Jazz and finished the opening frame on a 23-11 run.

Hassan Whiteside played just three minutes before getting tossed.#TakeNote https://t.co/dPSZ8o38Re

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 25, 2021

Hassan Whiteside got ejected from the game after just three minutes on the floor which left the Jazz shorthanded at center with Udoaka Azubuike on assignment with the Salt Lake City Stars.

The Jazz shot just 32 percent in the first quarter and trailed the Thunder 25-21 after one.

Second Quarter

Donovan Mitchell’s struggles from Tuesday’s loss against Memphis carried over to Oklahoma City.

Mitchell finished Tuesday’s game with a tough fourth quarter, missing all five of his attempts from the floor and going scoreless.

The All-Star guard was 1-8 to open the game but finished the first half with a three and a floater to jump-start his momentum.

At the half, the Jazz trailed the Thunder 52-49.

Third Quarter

The Jazz starters finally came to life in the third quarter combining to score 30 points after having just 24 points combined in the first half.

Still, it’s coming without much production from Mitchell who attempted just one shot in the period but had three assists.

Make it 5 steals for @bucketsoneale00 pic.twitter.com/Ce30iRuY7u

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 25, 2021

Bojan Bogdanovic scored 12 in the quarter while Mike Conley added 10.

After three, the Jazz led the Thunder 81-80.

Fourth Quarter

The Jazz are the best fourth quarter team in the NBA, and despite letting the Thunder hang around, strung together a strong final few minutes to escape with the victory.

Mitchell who looked tentative about driving to the rim for most of the game scored the Jazz final three baskets to give them breathing room when the Thunder finally blinked.