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Utah Jazz: Top 10 moments from 2017-18 NBA season

By Simon Smith

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

9. Second half onslaught vs. the Portland Trail Blazers

The Jazz entered this Feb. 11 game with a 27-28 record, having won their previous eight games in succession. Placed 10th in the Western Conference standings, this was going to be a great test for the Jazz’s winning streak, with the 31-25 Blazers seemingly playing above expectations.

The game didn’t start as planned, with the Jazz shooting just 41.9 percent from the field in the first half to trail 44-43 at the main break. However, the second half was a completely different story.

In scoring 72 points, the Jazz compiled their highest scoring second half of the season, coming away with a convincing 115-96 win. Rookie Donovan Mitchell scored 21 of his 27 points after the main break, while small forward Joe Ingles was on fire, scoring 16 of his 24 points in the second half and finishing 6-of-9 from long range.

Not surprisingly, this represented the most efficient second half of the season, with the Jazz finishing with a 145.9 offensive rating. This dominant performance is all the more impressive when you consider that the Jazz withstood a 26-point second half outburst from All-Star Damian Lillard.

Following the game, Lillard had some high praise for Mitchell:

After their ninth straight win, Lillard and the Blazers were welcomed to an up-close showing of Mitchell’s insane potential.

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