Quick Recap: Jazz Take 3-2 Series Lead

If you like ugly basketball, Clippers-Jazz Game 5 was right up your alley. The Utah Jazz came into Staples Center and wrestled control of the series away from the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday night, 96-92. The shorthanded Clips will have their backs against the wall when they head back to Salt Lake City on Friday night for a must-win Game 6.

It was nice to see J.J. Redick (26 points, 7-12 shooting) finally break out, but he, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan were the only three Clippers to finish with more than seven points. They shot just 42 percent as a team and turned the ball over 13 times in a sloppy effort overall.

Joe Johnson and Rodney Hood combined for 30 points off the bench as Utah’s reserve unit once again proved problematic for the Clippers. Austin Rivers was back in the lineup tonight for the Clips, but the Blake Griffin injury continues to cast a pall over yet another seemingly-doomed LAC playoff run.

Lucas Hann will be along with the full recap shortly.