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.
To start the game, 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 for the first time in his young career, the Lakers established an early 21-14 lead.
Led by Alex Caruso’s eight points and five assists, the Lakers held a 34-27 lead after the first quarter.