In a low scoring game featuring 17 lead changes and seven ties, the Utah Jazz squeaked past the Los Angeles Lakers, 80-73, at the STAPLES Center in the third and final meeting between the two teams.

The minimal scoring was not a surprise since Utah has been amazing on defense after the All-Star break, allowing a little over 83 points per game, which is first in the league. Rudy Gobert has been in the middle of Utah’s vast improvement on defense, using his length to clog the paint and alter shots.

There was not much action going on in the first half, as the score was 36-33 in favor of the Lakers. The Jazz shot just over 34 percent in the half, while the Lakers were around 40 percent. For people who love watching defense, this was the game for them.

However, the offense picked up for the Jazz in the second half, as they scored a respectable 25 points in the third period to carry a three-point advantage into the final quarter. Gordon Hayward came alive in the third, scoring nine points in the frame.

Hayward added on nine more points in the fourth to pioneer his team to victory. He also took a hard spill late in the game after colliding with Ed Davis in midair and landing sideways on his shoulder. Fortunately for the Jazz, Hayward propped back up moments later and was doing fine. He finished the game with a game-high 22 points, including five rebounds, five assists, and four steals on 50 percent shooting and 11 of 13 from the free-throw line.

Rudy Gobert was surprisingly quiet, putting in just three points, seven rebounds, and three blocks on one shot attempt in 36 minutes. Derrick Favors struggled with his shot, hitting 5 of 15 from the field for 14 points and seven rebounds.

Trey Burke produced well off the bench, scoring 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting. He hit two crucial shots down the stretch that helped the Jazz put away the game. But what sealed the Lakers’ fate late in the game were two back-to-back costly turnovers by Jordan Hill.

Tarik Black led the Lakers with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. He was in the middle of most of the highlight reel plays by L.A. Wesley Johnson chipped in 12 points, while Carlos Boozer added 11 points and three assists off the pine. Surprisingly, the Lakers bench was quiet, totaling 30 points which is about 11 points less than their average.

Another shocking stat in this game was that Utah had zero second chance points. For a team that is sixth in offensive rebounds, that was quite astonishing. However, one area that the Jazz absolutely owned was the painted area, scoring 46 points compared to the Lakers’ 22. Utah was also a plus-18 from three-point land but were out-rebounded, 43-36, which was a slight margin.

The Jazz continue to be the hottest team since the All-Star break, improving their post All-Star break record to 12-3. They are not entirely eliminated from the playoffs, but their run may be a little too late. However, it is encouraging for the youngest team in the NBA to be playing so well, which gives them hope for the future.

The Lakers, meanwhile, continue to be on the wrong side of history. They dropped their 50th game of the season, which marks the first time in franchise history that they have had back-to-back seasons with 50 or more losses.

The Lakers will host the lowly Philadelphia 76ers in their next game on Sunday, March 22nd. The Jazz will head to Oakland to take on the top seeded Golden State Warriors on Saturday, in what should be an interesting game.