“A Chaotic End Of The Game” | Utah Faces Memphis In Rematch On Halloween Night – NBA.com
T’was the night of All Hallows Eve when the rematch took place.
After dispatching Memphis on Saturday night in one of the best games of the NBA season, the Jazz welcome back the Grizzlies for a showdown between two of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and can be seen on AT&T SportsNet.
Saturday night inside Vivint Arena had a playoff-like atmosphere, with both teams repeatedly exchanging blows like heavyweight boxers. There were massive runs by each, and even crazier comebacks.
Somehow Utah gave up a 15-0 (third quarter) and 12-2 (fourth quarter) run in the second half and still found itself with five with just under three minutes to play. But that’s when the drama began to unfold.
Beginning with a Lauri Markkanen three-pointer with 2:22 to play, the Jazz scored 11 points over four consecutive possessions to pull out the 124-123 victory.
“Really proud of the guys. … A hard-fought win against a good team,” head coach Will Hardy said. “I’m just really happy with them staying the course. We had a chaotic end of the game. … Again, just really really proud of our team for digging in.”
While Saturday was great for Utah, Monday’s game is expected to have some extra flair.
Ja Morant, one of the frontrunners for MVP, is expected to make his return after missing the last game due to a non-COVID illness. While Memphis is sensational without Morant, they are championship-caliber with him in the lineup.
However, reinforcements are on the way for the Jazz as well.
Mike Conley, one of the significant keys to Utah’s success on offense, is expected back in the starting lineup after missing Saturday with a rest day. Also, key reserve Walker Kessler could suit up after missing Saturday with a non-COVID illness as well.
STATS
Utah (5-2, 3-0 home / No. 4 Western Conference)
Offense
*117.0 Points Per Game (No. 12 in NBA)
*112.0 Offensive Rating (No. 18 in NBA)
Defense
*114.9 Points Per Game (No. 19 in NBA)
*109.4 Defensive Rating (No. 8 in NBA)
*Lauri Markkanen: 21.4 points | 9.0 rebounds | 3.0 assists
*Jordan Clarkson: 17.3 points | 5.0 assists | 4.1 rebounds | 37.5% 3P-shooting
*Kelly Olynyk: 13.7 points | 4.1 rebounds | 3.7 assists | 64.0% 3P-shooting
*Collin Sexton: 12.1 points | 2.9 rebounds | 35.0% 3P-shooting
Memphis (4-2, 2-2 away / No. 6 Western Conference)
Offense
*120.3 Points Per Game (No. 1 in NBA)
*118.0 Offensive Rating (No. 3 in NBA)
Defense
*121.5 Points Per Game (No. 27 in NBA)
*119.9 Defensive Rating (No. 28 in NBA)
*Ja Morant: 32.6 points | 6.8 assists | 4.4 rebounds | 56.5% 3P-shooting
*Desmond Bane: 24.2 points | 5.0 assists | 4.7 rebounds | 44.6% 3P-shooting
*Dillon Brooks: 15.0 points | 2.3 assists | 38.9% 3P-shooting
*Tyus Jones: 13.5 points | 4.7 assists | 38.7% 3P-shooting
MATCHUP TO WATCH
*Mike Conley vs. Ja Morant
—After both players missed Saturday’s showdown, they should be well rested for the next round on Monday night. Morant is in the running for MVP and arguably the best open-court player in the league. Conley is the engine that ignites Utah’s offense and one of the most cerebral players in the NBA. Both will be looking to make a difference come Monday — this should be fun.
INJURY REPORT
Utah
QUESTIONABLE | Walker Kessler (illness)
OUT | Rudy Gay (health & safety protocols)
OUT | Simone Fontecchio (health & safety protocols)
OUT | Johnny Juzang (G League – Two Way)
OUT | Micah Potter (G League – Two-Way)
Memphis
QUESTIONABLE | Jake LaRavia (non-COVID illness)
QUESTIONABLE | Ja Morant (non-COVID illness)
OUT | Danny Green (left knee surgery recovery)
OUT | Jaren Jackson Jr. (right foot surgery recovery)
OUT | Ziaire Williams (right knee patellar tendinitis)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Time: 7:00 p.m. MT
Location: Vivint Arena / Salt Lake City, UT
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: 1280 The Zone