This game started as a back and forth affair. Both teams scored fairly well early, thanks to hot shooting from distance for the Jazz (3/6 in the first Q), and steady scoring from DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas early, and solid contributions from the bench unit after quick substitutions in the thin Utah air. The Raptors were down 29-28 after 1.
The second quarter started as a back and forth affair, with the Raptors’ bench slowly clawing back into the lead (by one) with some solid defence. The Raptors pulled away once the starters checked back in (early, about 4 minutes into the quarter, continuing the pattern of quick substitutions) - from when Valanciunas checked in to when he checked out with his third foul with 5 minutes left in the half, the score went from a 34-33 lead to a 45-38 lead.