Jazz Secure Fifth-Straight Win With Victory Over Hornets

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The shorthanded Utah Jazz extended their current winning streak to five with a 111-102 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

Early on, it was evident that Jazz head coach Quin Snyder was going to have to do some serious tinkering with the rotations on the floor.

Thabo Sefolosha, Georges Niang, Ekpe Udoh and Raul Neto all got considerable playing time in the first half, which was a testament to how depleted the team was due to injury. Derrick Favors, the usual starter at power forward was out with back spasms, forcing Jae Crowder into the starting lineup. Kyle Korver was also ruled out before the game due to right knee soreness.

📹| Another 30-assist night gave us our 47th win of the season!#CHAatUTA highlights⤵️ pic.twitter.com/EjnjBZbjch

— x – Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 2, 2019

Sefolosha Sets Season Highs

When called into action, the reserve players played well against Charlotte. Sefolosha, known as a defensive specialist, was especially impactful. His 22 minutes played was the highest mark of the season for the 12-year pro. He also set a new season high with 14 points including four 3-pointers made.

After the game, Jazz head coach Quin Snyder expressed this pride in Sefolosha’s offensive performance, but added that his defensive effort also was impressive.

“I think his effort on the defensive end is where he can make a difference for us,” said Snyder.

Hornets Struggle From Deep

A big part of the reason the Jazz came away with their 47^th win of the season was due to extremely poor outside shooting by the Hornets. Charlotte shot a miserable 23.3 percent from beyond the arc in the game, just 7-for-30. Had it not been for an improved fourth quarter, in which they went 6-for-9 from 3-point land, the figure would have been much worse.

By The Numbers

Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz in scoring with 25 points with four 3-pointers made.

Rudy Gobert completed a double-double with 18 points and 18 rebounds to go along with three blocked shots.

Rudy Gobert is currently the first Utah Jazz player to average at least 15 PPG and 12 RPG in a season since Karl Malone in 1987-88. #TeamIsEverything

📊 https://t.co/6tl4guZApm pic.twitter.com/91xuosxrA4

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 2, 2019

Charlotte’s All-Star guard Kemba Walker tallied 47 points, including 38 in the second half, in a losing effort.

With the win, and a victory by Portland over Minnesota, the Jazz remain in fifth place in the Western Conference playoff race with a record of 47-30.

Next Up

The Jazz will hit the road to face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. The game will tip off at 8 p.m. and be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet.