SALT LAKE CITY _ The Utah Jazz have spent the season scuffling on offense, searching for answers in lieu of Gordon Hayward leaving in the offseason and multiple key players falling prey to injuries.
The Milwaukee Bucks made that offense look incredible on Saturday night in a 121-108 loss to the Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Bucks have not won in Utah since 2001.
The Jazz moved the ball to slice up the Bucks defense, racking up 31 assists. That movement, combined with over-helping by Milwaukee defenders, led to numerous open looks from beyond the 3-point arc, and Utah took full advantage going 18 of 32 from long range (56.3 percent).
Every time the Bucks made a run, the Jazz were right there with a counter-punch. After trailing by seven at halftime, the Bucks immediately raced ahead with an 8-0 run to open the third quarter, and the game stayed tight deep into the period with the two teams tied at the three-minute mark.
Utah went 4 of 6 from the field down the stretch, aided by one of Milwaukee's 16 turnovers, and used a 10-2 run to take the lead for good.
Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell made exciting plays throughout the game, including a spin past Giannis Antetokounmpo for a bucket and a pair of late 3s, on the way to 24 points for the Jazz. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 27 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
