Quick Jazz blow out Lakers for split of 2-game series
With frontline players Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors and Mike Conley Jr back in the line-up, the Utah Jazz made quick work of the Lakers in the second straight match-up between the teams, prevailing 111-97 in the NBA on Monday.
The Lakers won the opener of the two-game set 127-115 in overtime on Saturday.
With the Jazz having earned a home win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday, Utah coach Quin Snyder chose to rest three of his regulars for the first matchup against the Lakers. High-scoring Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell missed both games, though.
The Jazz never trailed on Monday, seizing control early and leading by as many as 25 points in the second half, showing why they are the leaders of the Western Conference.
With the return of Gobert, a two-time NBA defensive player of the year, the Jazz controlled things inside, finishing with a 52-36 advantage on points in the paint and a 42-32 rebounding edge.
Los Angeles did receive some good news on the injury front regarding sidelined stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Coach Frank Vogel said James has progressed to the point where he’s doing light work on the court after being out since March 20 with a sprain injury.
Stephen Curry scored 20 of his 49 points in the fourth quarter to propel visiting Golden State to a 107-96 win over the 76ers as Curry drained 10 threepointers on his way to recording his NBA-best eighth 40-point performance of the season and his 11th straight game of at least 30 points.