*** Solid professional win by the Jazz tonight. The defense was dominant from the start. The Wolves missed their final 8 shots of the 1st quarter and the game was over. The Wolves made a small run in the 2nd quarter to get the game to 3 and the Jazz eliminated that in a hurry with a14 to 6 run. Finally the Jazz blitzed the Wolves to open the 3rd quarter on a 14-0 run and then league rules said we had to play 48 minutes.
*** This was a highlight filled game. Wiggins had a sick dunk on top of Gobert and then two plays later he tried it again and Gobert rejected the attempt and Wiggins crumpled like a deck chair. Finally, Gobert lead a fastbreak and hit Booker on a behind the back pass for a Booker slam.
*** Jazz defense will finish March as the #1 defense in the NBA for March – They held the Wolves to 36.8% shooting and only 6 three pointers tonight.
*** Jazz are #1 offensive rebounding team and the Wolves are 30th in defensive rebounding. The Jazz get 28% of all offensive rebounds. The Wolves allow 29%. Tonight the Jazz grabbed 14 of 38 offensive rebound chances for 37%. This is what a #1 offensive rebounding team should do. Booker and Gobert both had 5 offensive rebounds.
*** The Jazz had 22 fast break points tonight.
*** Trey Burke was really good again tonight. He drove to the basket and attacked the rim. The Jazz did a better job spacing the floor and the Wolves have Enes Kanter type rim protection. Trey finished with 19 and only took 5 three points. He is averaging over 20 in the last two games with only 2 three point shots.
*** Another tough break as he took an elbow to the head and had to leave with concussion type symptoms. He just can’t get it rolling without something.
*** Back to back wins without Derrick Favors.
*** Gordon Hayward is ridiculous. He had 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Ho hmmm . He was just playing. He didn’t take over a stretch of the game. He was just the best player on the floor for the entire game. Nothing radical. Nothing spectacular. He has averaged 21-5-5 since Feb 1st and for a good deal of it been struggling with his shot. He really should be considered for most improved player and all nba. He did it on 15 shots in 33 minutes
*** Joe Ingles across the floor baseball bounce pass to Trevor Booker was sweet
*** Can we discuss Rudy for a moment. I love Rudy. He plays without so much fire and competitiveness. When Wiggins dunked on him he was going to return the favor it was only a matter of time. He loves to play. He wants to be great. Quin had an interesting comment before the game that Rudy has a good understanding of what needs to improve and he works on it.
*** Part 2 of this is crazy talk on what Rudy can be. Since All-star break he is averaging 11 points (had 15 tonight) 14 rebounds (had 12) 2 assists (had 2). 1 steal (had 1) and 3 blocks (had 3) Now what happens when he gets a little stronger. What happens when he develops some basic offensive ability. What happens if he makes 2 to 3 plays a night out of an offensive game. Could he really become a 15-15 guy. That is crazy. Guys don’t do that. What happens if his competiveness means he actually becomes a little bit of an offensive threat and then he can pass out of advantage rather than disadvantage. Could he be 15-15-5. That is insane. It is remarkable what he is doing without experience, without a refined game and without strength. What is next?
*** Realize Minnesota post players tonight were not rotational NBA players.
*** Solid win. Make sure you listen to the Hot Rod Hundley tribute podcast on Itunes or at Locked on Jazz