Second Unit Helps Jazz Down Suns

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz beat the Phoenix Suns 118-114, snapping a six-game losing the team with the NBA’s best record.

Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points while Jordan Clarkson scored 22 points as the Jazz overcame an eight-point third quarter deficit to down Phoenix.

The Suns were led by Devin Booker who had 30 points in the loss.

First Quarter

The Suns jumped out to a red hot start knocking down 9-10 field goal attempts and 4-4 from the three-point line.

However, the Jazz were able to stay attached due to Mitchell’s three first quarter threes and strong play from the second unit.

🤯 HASSAN WITH THE HAMMER 🔨 #TakeNote #UTAvsPHX https://t.co/p1cL9SqHNc

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 27, 2022

Devin Booker had 10 points to lead the Suns while Mitchell had 11 to lead all scorers.

The Jazz and Suns were tied at 32 after one.

Second Quarter

Mitchell appeared to tweak his ankle when Rudy Gobert stepped on his foot and as a result, went 0-4 from the floor in the second quarter.

Mike Conley got going in his absence, however, scoring seven points to carry the offensive load.

Spida from downtown 🔥🔥🔥#TakeNote #UTAvsPHXhttps://t.co/bpxa05zudh

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 27, 2022

DeAndre Ayton punished the Jazz in the midrange with 10 points in the quarter on 5-6 shooting and led all scorers with 17 points overall.

At the break, the Jazz trailed the Suns 60-56.

Third Quarter

Similar to the first quarter the Suns jumped out a lead to pen the quarter but the Jazz bounced back with energy from the second unit.

Mitchell found his stroke again in the third quarter,  scoring 12 points on 4-6 shooting.

That’s 🖐 triples for 🕷#TakeNote #UTAvsPHX https://t.co/lN7mHMCCgi

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 27, 2022

The Jazz outscored Phoenix 38-29 in the quarter.

After three, the Jazz led the Suns 94-89.

Fourth Quarter

The Jazz were able to hold onto their lead throughout the fourth quarter thanks to big performances from two second-unit players.

Jordan Clarkson had a pivotal stretch where he scored eight points over six possessions, then found Danuel House Jr. who hit the first of his two threes in the fourth quarter to extend the Jazz lead.

He’s on another level. 🕷🤩#TakeNote #UTAvsPHX https://t.co/4sux1P6zv7

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 27, 2022

House Jr. finished the game in place of Royce O’Neale who had struggled to defend Booker throughout the game.

The Suns had an opportunity to tie the game at 117 late in the game, but Jae Crowder committed a careless turnover to guarantee the Jazz win.

The Jazz beat the Suns 118-114.

Follow @benshoops