Jazz Drop Close Game To Rockets, 102-97

Dec 17, 2018, 8:52 PM | Updated: 9:43 pm

KSL Sports

HOUSTON, Texas – The Utah Jazz dropped their second straight game in a 102-97 loss to the Houston Rockets.

After trailing by just two after the first quarter, the Jazz suffered a terrible cold streak in the second quarter scoring just 14 points and missing 17 straight shots.

No quit in our guys. pic.twitter.com/WWvcSuI8aZ

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 18, 2018

The Jazz woke up in the third quarter and shot a solid 50 percent from the field with five 3-pointers made in that period. Donovan Mitchell helped get his team back on track with 12 points in that quarter alone.

Houston however would play back and forth basketball with the Jazz in the second half, never allowing the Jazz to gain a lead of more than a single point.

The Jazz appeared to have a chance to comeback late in the fourth when Donovan Mitchell drained three straight free throws to pull Utah within two at 99-97 with 35 seconds remaining.

Unfortunately for the Jazz, James Harden came down the floor and drained a deep three to seal the win for the Rockets.

ANOTHER 3 for The Beard!!!#Rockets 102 | Jazz 97
⏰ 13.3 seconds pic.twitter.com/kEAE2APIDd

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 18, 2018

By The Numbers

Harden took over the game in the fourth, scoring 13 of his game high 47 points in the final quarter.

Mitchell led the Jazz with 23 points while Rudy Gobert turned in another double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Jae Crowder got the start over Derrick Favors and turned in a double-double himself with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Gantlet Ahead For Utah

Utah has an especially difficult portion of its schedule ahead, with games against Golden State, two against Portland, and Oklahoma City and Philadelphia also on the schedule. As for how they plan to survive the upcoming stretch, Jazz head coach Quin Snyder said it’s a matter of focus.

“I don’t think we can look at a five game stretch anymore,” said Snyder after the game. “Whether they’re on the road or at home, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing. We just need to dig in and focus on what we need to do to win the game.”