Jazz 102 – Trail Blazers 97

Paul Millsap was the best player on the floor tonight: 70% shooting and two crucial dunks down the stretch (both of which showed off Millsap’s apt sense for off-the-ball movement). Ty Corbin’s decision to play Paul at the three and go big was nothing short of unadulterated basketball genius. Millsap abused Matthews and Batum all night long.

Bad shooting aside, it was refreshing to see Big Al understand his role late in the game. He hit one big shot and then allowed his more open hotter teammates to do the rest.

The Jazz desperately need a healthy Harris to make this playoff run, so Harris’s sprained ankle is by far the most notable thing about his night.

Tonight’s Hayward was more Butler-Hayward than Kirilenko-Hayward. No assists and only two rebounds, but very timely and effective scoring. The Jazz needed a second scoring option with Harris injured, C.J. Miles MIA, and Al Jefferson shooting miserably, and Hayward was that option.

In a season that has had Jazz fans clamoring for more playing time for the younger players, Tinsley has shown the value of veteran presence on the floor. He makes smart plays (like pressuring Felton to get that game-winning steal), doesn’t get rattled in the clutch, and always plays calmly. Also, his sharpshooting from three has been a refreshing luxury.

Just a dreadful night for Earl Watson. Since his return from injury, he has looked mentally affected by Tinsley’s great play. If Harris’s is out for any significant number of games, sheer duty and necessity should rejuvenate Earl.

At the rate he was stealing the ball, DeMarre Carroll could have finished this game with 24 steals. 24 steals! Get this man some Cafe Rio!

I truly loved Derrick Favors fourth-quarter dunk, but my favorite Favors play from this game was his ferocious rebound and putback off of Burks’ missed free throw. Still, both of those plays essentially told us the same thing: Derrick Favors is going to be really good.

Dreadful shooting night for Burks (even from the free throw line), but his assist to a cutting Millsap was a great decision, a pinpoint pass, and the greatest Jazz moment of the last week.