The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz, who needed a win to improve their chances of having homecourt advantage over the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2019 NBA playoffs.
JaVale McGee’s dunk on Rudy Gobert on the very first possession energized the Lakers. He scored eight out of the team’s first 10 points to give them an early three-point lead.
Despite two early fouls from Jemerrio Jones who started, the Lakers established a 21-14 lead.
Led by Alex Caruso’s eight points and five assists, the Lakers held a 34-27 lead after the first quarter.
To begin the second quarter, the South Bay Lakers once again provided consistent effort to maintain the lead.