Joe Johnson’s Huge Fourth Quarter Lifts the Jazz Over the Clippers in Game Four

Joe Johnson came alive in the fourth quarter to power the Utah Jazz over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, April 23 at Vivant Smart Home Arena in Utah. The 105-98 win for the Jazz has tied the first-round playoff series at 2-a-piece.

After staying quiet throughout the regular season, Johnson’s veteran presence is really beginning to be felt in the postseason. Johnson has played a huge role in the Jazz’ first two playoff victories. He drained the game-winning bucket in game one and had a huge fourth quarter in Sunday’s game four.

The Jazz trailed the Clippers by seven with 7:37 left in the game, then Johnson went on a tear. He scored 11 straight points for Utah, including the go-ahead shot with 3:55 remaining. The Jazz kept the lead for the rest of the game.

Although his play surged the Jazz’ offense, Johnson credits the team’s overall effort in the fourth quarter for the win.

“We were able to get stops, which kind of fueled our offense,” Johnson said postgame, “we were able to get down the court pretty quickly and set just random pick-and-rolls and we were getting into the teeth of the defense.”

Johnson scored 28 points in total to go along with five rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert returned from his game one injury and also put together a solid outing with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Chris Paul of the Clippers did all he could for his squad. He nearly got a triple-double, finishing with 27 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds.

The Los Angeles Clippers will host the Jazz in game five of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday, April 25 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The winner will take a commanding 3-2 lead in the series and be a win away from the second-round of the 2017 NBA playoffs.