Considering the Minnesota Timberwolves were missing their two best players in the second half and facing other challenges Friday night, the Jazz should not have agonized this much.
Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, who each scored 26 points, eventually made sure the Jazz won. Really, what other choice did they have?
If the Jazz (32-30) had any hopes of staying in the Western Conference playoff chase, they absolutely needed this 116-108 victory over Minnesota at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Having rested since Monday, when they melted down in the second half of a home loss to Houston, the Jazz enjoyed their most favorable circumstances of the season against a good opponent.