Summary: The Rockets blitzed the Jazz early with a 16-9 lead, but from that point on the Jazz dominated the entire game. The Jazz notched season-high in points in a quarter, half and game in a contest that was never close once the Jazz took control. The final score was 120-101.
- This is a “Wow, we might be really, really good” win. The Rockets have been rolling, and the Jazz blew them out. The game was never close. The Rockets got it to within 9 a few times, and each time, the Jazz immediately were back up by 17. This was a super impressive win.
- The score leads you to believe that it was a high-paced game and the Jazz won at the Rockets’ game, but it actually was one of the slowest paced games of the season, played below 90 possessions. The Jazz are the slowest paced play of team at 93. The Rockets don’t want to defend a lot of actions, and the Jazz got them in their half court sets and then got good look after good look. The Jazz’s offensive rating was 134, with league average at 103.7 pts per 100 possessions. I am sure this was the best offensive night of the year by the Jazz.
- The Jazz have not been shooting the three-point shot well at just 33 percent for 21st in the NBA, but they busted the top off tonight. The team hit 15 of 28 and got threes from seven different players.
- Rudy Gobert changes everything. Harden didn’t look like he wanted to drive to the basket tonight because of Gobert. Then he got caught in the middle and looked uncomfortable. Capella and Nene caused the Jazz problems last game, and tonight the two of them had much less of an impact as Rudy was able to control the paint and stay attached to his man. He is going to make a strong run for defensive player of the year.
- Having George Hill along with Rodney Hood and Gordon Hayward meant that James Harden had to guard someone. In the last game these teams played, he was assigned to Dante and got the night off guarding Dante.
- The Jazz did a much better job tonight when Harden was off the floor defending the Rockets. The Rockets finished 7 of 20 shooting when Harden was off the floor.
- Hayward looks to have his shot back. He went over 20 for the fifth straight game and finished with 31 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. He torched the Rockets in three of the last four games with amazing efficiency.
- The Jazz are really good when Joe Johnson is on the floor. He finished with 11 points and was +16.
- Having Hill, Hood and Hayward all on the floor at the same time means they don’t all have to be great every night. Tonight, Hill played a great game but he didn’t need to score, finishing with eight points. It was Hood with 19 and Hayward with 31
- Trey Lyles nailed some threes tonight, and if he starts to make his shots, the Jazz are simply unguardable.
- The Jazz are now top 10 in offensive and defensive rankings — that is really elite.
- This was a blow out. Pure and simple, a complete whooping.