Phoenix Suns didn’t become the first team to reach the 50-win mark this season. Utah Jazz stood tall against the league leaders and escaped from Phoenix with the 118-114 victory.
The Jazz used a 16-3 run to take the lead heading into the fourth (94-89). The game stayed tight for the majority of the fourth, with Utah entering crunch time up by 10 (116-106).
The Suns came as close as three in the final seconds (117-114). But, a crucial turnover by Jae Crowder cost Phoenix the chance to force overtime.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the winners, with 26 points. Rudy Gobert added 16 points and 14 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson came off the bench with 22 points, on 10/17 shooting. Utah’s bench outscored Phoenix’s one 43-11.
📹| A comeback win in the Valley + 43 points from off the bench ⤵️#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/pDKybaTOYp — Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 27, 2022
The Jazz maintained their hot form and have now won eight of their last 10 games. They currently are fourth in the West, at 38-22.
For their part, the Suns lost back-to-back games for the first time since December 27. Yet, they still have the best record in the NBA (49-12).
Phoenix is 5,5 games ahead of second-placed Golden State Warriors (43-17) and could reach 50 wins Wednesday vs the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Suns now are 1-2 without star point guard Chris Paul. The All-Star guard could miss the rest of the regular season with a thumb injury. Paul will miss six to eight weeks and could play as early as the first days of April.
Final: UTA 118, PHX 114 Booker: 30-7-7, 12-24 FG Cam Johnson: 23-5-4, 7-11 FG Ayton: 23 Pts, 7 Reb, 11-15 FG Mitchell: 26 Pts, 5 Ast, 8-20 FG Suns lose back-to-back games for the first time since Dec. 27 — Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) February 27, 2022
*Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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