The Jazz Close Out Phoenix With a 45-19 Run

(AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)

After witnessing that spectacular comeback by the Utah Jazz, I can say I am proud to be a fan of this team. Where to begin?

First of all, Wesley Matthews played an incredible game. It seems like Jerry Sloan always finds a way to grab the guys who go unnoticed by the rest of the league. Matthews had a career-high 21 points in under 23 minutes, and he was instrumental in Utah’s late surge. Matthews scored 15 of his 21 points after the 2:28 mark in the third quarter, which is precisely the time that this game’s momentum shifted towards the Jazz.

When Channing Frye nailed a 3-pointer to put the Suns up 96-79 with under 3 minutes left in the third quarter, the game seemed all but over for the home team Jazz. However, following a timeout by Jerry Sloan, the Jazz went on their second 16-0 run in as many games. The run was fueled by the aforementioned Matthews, as he nailed a much-needed 3-pointer to cut the Phoenix lead to 13. The run ended with 6 straight points by Andrei “Ivan Drago” Kirilenko, who put the energy in EnergySolutions Arena with his active defense and finishes at the rim.

By the time the run had concluded the Jazz had come within one point, and the game belonged to any team that was willing to take it. After the Suns quickly increased their one-point lead to five, it looked like maybe the Jazz would run out of steam, but that was not the case at all.

Wesley Matthews hit two enormous 3-pointers, which were sandwiched by 4 free throws, a layup by Deron Williams, and a jumper by Carlos Boozer. And although Goran Dragic kept it close with a 3-pointer of his own, Paul Millsap made a jumper that proved to be the distance-maker that would fend off the Suns for good.

The Jazz closed out the game on a 45-19 run, erasing their 17-point deficit like it never existed. When the game was all over, the Jazz walked off the court with a 124-115 victory.

The win was Utah’s 6th in a row at home, and they have won 8 of their last 10 games overall. Due to losses by the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers, the Jazz are currently in 4th place in the Western Conference.

GAME NOTES

- Carlos Boozer recorded his first 20-20 since April 4, 2007.

- Steve Nash recorded his 8,000th career assist.

- Goran Dragic had a career-high 32 points.

- Wesley Matthews became the 9th Jazz player to have at least 20 points in a game this season.