Jazz Dominate Grizzlies in High-Scoring Season Finale
SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — In a season finale defined more by individual milestones than competitive tension, the Utah Jazz emphatically snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 147-101 rout of the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at Delta Center.
The game was effectively decided in a dominant second quarter, where the Jazz outscored the Grizzlies 41-22, turning a modest three-point lead after one period into a 74-52 halftime advantage. Utah’s offensive execution was clinical, while Memphis’s shooting woes and turnover issues proved insurmountable.
The most significant development of the evening was historic for the Jazz franchise. Bez Mbeng and John Konchar each recorded triple-doubles, marking the first time in team history two players achieved the feat in the same game. Mbeng, the game’s top star, posted a career-high 27 points to go with 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Konchar contributed 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, showcasing the all-around play that fueled Utah’s comprehensive victory.
They were far from alone in standout performances. Blake Hinson led all scorers with a career-best 30 points. Kennedy Chandler orchestrated the offense with 26 points and 10 assists, while Ace Bailey added 23 points and 10 rebounds. Oscar Tshiebwe dominated the interior with 16 points and a monstrous 22 rebounds.
The Grizzlies, finishing their season at 25-56, were led by Jahmai Mashack’s marathon 48-minute effort resulting in 13 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. Rayan Rupert added 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Adama Bal scored 18 points. However, Memphis was crippled by inefficient shooting, connecting on just 41 of 109 attempts from the field and a dismal 11 of 52 from three-point range. Their 19 turnovers led to 16 Jazz steals and countless transition opportunities the other way.
Utah’s offense operated at a peak level, shooting 56.4% from the field and dishing out 36 assists on 62 made baskets. Their 120.4 offensive rating starkly contrasted with Memphis’s 83.3, underlining the chasm in efficiency between the two teams on this night.
The victory improved Utah’s record to 22-59 as they head into their final game. The Jazz, who had been installed as 4-point favorites, outperformed statistical expectations with the blowout win, while the combined score of 248 points fell just under the posted over/under of 247.5.
For Memphis, the loss concluded a difficult season and extended a recent skid, while for Utah, it provided a rare and resounding positive note to end their home schedule, highlighted by a piece of franchise history.