Jazz halt streaking Warriors
Utah Jazz’ Joe Johnson (6) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, April 10, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The Utah Jazz, fighting for a playoff position in the Western Conference, up-ended league-leading Golden State 105-99 on Monday, snapping the Warriors’ 14-game NBA winning streak.
With 20 points from George Hill and 17 points and 18 rebounds from French big man Rudy Gobert, the Jazz kept pace with the Los Angeles Clippers in the battle for the fourth seed in the Western Conference, despite the injury absences of top-scorer Gordon Hayward, forward Derrick Favors, guard Rodney Hood and guard Raul Neto.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, his team already assured of home court advantage throughout the playoffs, was careful with the playing time of his stars.
Klay Thompson had the night off and Stephen Curry’s strong night ended after three quarters during which he scored 28 points.
“Steph, I just wanted to give him his usual run, but I didn’t want him to finish the game,” Kerr said. “He played the whole third quarter, had a great run, shot the ball well… you know with the playoffs starting Saturday or Sunday, no point in bringing him back in this game.”
Kevin Durant added 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in his second game back from a knee injury.
After a quiet first half, Durant scored eight points in the third quarter, including an explosive move past Jazz guard Dante Exum for a dunk.
The win kept the Jazz tied for fourth seed in the West with the Clippers, who routed the Houston Rockets 125-96.
