Washington, Dec. 12 (BUS): Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points, Rudy Gobert 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the Utah Jazz continued their winning streak to seven games with a 123-98 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
Hassan Whiteside added 18 points and 14 rebounds off the bench as the Jazz completed a perfect four-game run on the East Coast.
“I think we are a better team now than we were when we left,” said Jazz coach Quinn Snyder. “I hope that’s what the competition does for you.”
Mitchell hit a 4-for-9 from long distance, while Joubert and Whiteside both shot 17 of 19 from the ground as Utah dominated in the third quarter after trailing a point at halftime, The Associated Press reported.
On Saturday, the Jazz entered three games after the Western Conference leaders Phoenix and Golden State.
“I think tonight, the way we played from both sides and the mentality we had was really like the mentality of the opponent,” Gobert said. “Every quarter we’re getting better.”
Bradley Bell scored 21 points for the Wizards, who lost for the fourth time in five games and for the ninth time in 14 after a quick start to the season. Daniel Gafford added 14 points and 11 rebounds for Washington.
Washington led 51-50 in the first inning after a first half that included six links and 11 lead changes. The Wizards were within three before the Jazz closed the third quarter at 13-4.
“It kind of collapsed out of there,” Gafford said. “It was something we could easily fix, but at the time there was a lot of frustration out there. The guys weren’t hitting the shots. It happens.”
Mitchell hit a driving corner, fed Whiteside into an alley, then dunked during the stretch that gave Utah their first two-digit lead, 77-67.
Mike Conley put the double-digit Jazz forever on possession later, before feeding Joubert in a layup that made him 81-69 at the end of the quarter.
“Reality for the moment”
With Kuzma supposedly dealing with a potential exposure to COVID-19, Joubert considered dealing with the ongoing threat of the pandemic.
“We see what’s going on and we keep moving, we keep respecting protocols, and at the same time, we keep doing what we’re doing as a team,” Joubert said. “It’s a shame if someone tests positive, but it’s going to be a reality for a while, so we just have to live with it.”
Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2020, a turning point in the early pandemic that led to widespread cancellations in the sports world and beyond.
East Pound and above
Utah’s perfect four-game trip is the longest running undefeated road trip as it also won all four games in the East Journey March 2-7, 2020.
Prior to the trip, the Jazz were 1-2 visiting Eastern Conference opponents.
Hint
Jazz: Turned nine submerged stones… Their first-half deficit was their first during a winning streak. …Joubert’s double was his twentieth of the season, while Whiteside netted his fourth. Whiteside’s 14 rebounds were the season’s high.
Wizards: Gafford’s double was his fourth this season and first since he had three in a row from November 27 to December. 1. … F Kyle Kuzma was put into NBA pre-game health and safety protocols.
next one
The Jazz: Hosted the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.
Wizards: Visit Denver on Monday.