National Basketball Association

Utah Jazz Cruise to Win Over Phoenix Suns

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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On the back of a big game from Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz captured their first win of the preseason over the Phoenix Suns.

In their preseason debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Utah Jazz managed five whole minutes of quality basketball. Returning to the court on Wednesday for a showdown with the Phoenix Suns, the Jazz built on their previous total by at least seven minutes.

It was just enough to coast to a 104-99 win in what was another ugly dose of preseason hoops.

After a hot start — the Jazz led 31-23 after the first period — the teams exchanged half-hearted jabs for the remainder of the contest. However, even with Derrick Favors, Rodney Hood and Alec Burks all sitting out for Utah, the Suns never really gained traction in the game.

Phoenix made just 38 percent of their shot attempts overall and despite some highlight moments, the young guns of the Suns struggled to match-up with the Jazz front.

Rudy Gobert was the player of the game for the Jazz, scoring 21 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking three shots. 21 points on seven field goal attempts is about as efficient as it gets offensively. Even more impressive was the fact that he made 13-of-14 free throws in the game.

???? JAZZ WIN ????
Final score
Jazz – 104
Suns – 99@rudygobert27 lead the Jazz with 21 pts
STATS ???????? https://t.co/465cgGMEOP #UTAatPHX #JazzNation pic.twitter.com/SdQf814GQX

— JazzNation (@JazzNationNews) October 6, 2016

Starting at the two in place of Hood, Dante Exum displayed night-and-day improvement over his performance in Portland. In just 13 minutes, he scored five points and dished out four assists; not an eye-popping line, but Exum’s comfort level was much better against Phoenix.

His decision-making and aggressiveness with the ball allowed him to burn the Suns defense with the drive and dish on multiple occasions.

Exum did give Jazz fans pause when he appeared to hurt his knee on a drive to the basket in the second quarter. The point guard left the game and did not return, but Jazz coach Quin Snyder said after the win that Exum was held out as a precautionary measure and looks to be OK.

Gordon Hayward and Trey Lyles were also strong for the Jazz, dropping 15 and 16 points respectively. Meanwhile, Joe Ingles and Shelvin Mack each hit double figures in extended minutes.

The Suns were led by Brandon Knight, who scored 17 points off the bench. T.J. Warren added 15.