MORE: NBA playoffs: Scores, schedules and updates
That sealed an unexpected road playoff win, considering Defensive Player of the Year candidate Rudy Gobert left the game 17 seconds into the first quarter.
Johnson was a big reason for the Jazz’s win, scoring 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting. There was never a doubt once he gained possesssion of the ball that he would close the game out. Gordon Hayward finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while George Hill netted 16 and Derrick Favors 15.
Meanwhile, a defensive effort without its anchor held the Clippers to just 44 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent from 3-point range.
Blake Griffin finished with 26 point; Paul had 25. Otherwise, the team struggled to find another consistent scoring option. If nothing else, this road win should buy Gobert some added time to rest his knee injury should he able to return this series.
