SPORTS

Jazz dazzle Rockets in Houston, 116-108

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) puts down a dunk as the Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets play game two of the NBA playoffs at the Toyota Center in Houston on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. (Photo: Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets roared back to life in the second half of Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, but the Utah Jazz held their own before mounting a comeback of their own to win it, 116-108.

In the first half, the Jazz led the Rockets by as many as 19, but Houston managed to cut the lead to nine points, making it 64-55 at halftime.

Houston returned from the locker room at halftime ready to stage a comeback, leading for large chunks of the third quarter before Utah powered back to end on top.

In the final minutes of the game, Joe Ingles knocked back a seventh three-pointer, his personal best. Ingles’ 27 points led the Jazz.

ESPN reported Donovan Mitchell became just the fourth rookie to reach 200 or more points in 8 or fewer NBA playoff games, an achievement he reached on his way to a double-double.

Alec Burks scored 17 points off the bench. James Harden led Houston with 32 points.

The series is now tied 1-1. Game 3 tips off Friday in Salt Lake City.

 

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