Jazz Stay Hot, Rout Lakers 114-89

The Utah Jazz improved to an NBA best 15-2 at home and 26-6 overall after beating the reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers 114-89 on February 24th. It was also Utah’s 22nd win in the last 24 games, and these haven’t been buzzer beaters either, with 20 of those wins by double digits.

Rudy Gobert scored 18 points and Jordan Clarkson added 18 more to lead the Jazz. Clarkson is a front runner for the Sixth Man award, averaging 18.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game off the bench. Six players scored in double figures for the Jazz. Utah leads the Western Conference, with the Los Angeles Clippers 3 ½ games behind and the Lakers one behind the Clippers. L.A. has lost four in a row and five of six, and is clearly missing starters Anthony Davis (leg injury) and Dennis Schroder (Covid protocol). But there’s no question this Jazz team is for real, with a deep roster that is playing well on both sides of the ball.