Utah won eight of its nine previous games, improving to 38-22. Phoenix, which has the NBA’s best record at 49-12, has lost its last two games.
Although Utah has been inconsistent this season, it is now playing well with a healthy roster. Jordan Clarkson scored 22 points on 10-of-17 shots — part of the Utah 2nd unit, which outscored Phoenix’s bench by 43-11.
To take a 94-89 lead into the fourth quarter, the Jazz went on a 16-3 run in the final quarter. The game was close for most of the last minutes, but the Jazz managed to maintain their lead thanks to Mitchell’s banked in 3-pointer with 1 minute remaining.
The Jazz shot 17 out of 40 (32.5%) from the 3-point line. Mitchell was responsible for six.
Devin Booker was the Phoenix point guard with 30 points. Cameron Johnson and DeandreAyton added 23 points each. Phoenix had the chance to tie it in the final seconds, but Jae Crowder fouled the ball.
Phoenix has not played in its three previous games without Chris Paul, an All-Star point guard who suffered a thumb injury on February 16th and could be out for the remainder of the regular season. In those three games, the Suns are 2-2.
After trailing for most of the second quarter, the Suns rallied to a 60-56 lead at halftime. Mitchell scored 11 points for the Jazz, while Ayton had 17 points after scoring on 8 of 10.
TIP-INS
Jazz: G Rudy Gay, who missed six previous games due to right knee soreness and non-COVID illness, played Sunday. Gobert recorded eight offensive rebounds, a record for the season.
Suns: They made 10 of their 11 first shots and scored 24 points within the first half. G Aaron Holiday, who missed one game due to a sprained ankle, returned to the court. … The Footprint Center welcomed their 18th consecutive sellout crowd.
UP NEXT
Jazz: Houston Wednesday night.
Suns: Portland hosts Suns on Wednesday night.
