Jazz Earn Historical Distinction After Closing 4-Point Gap in Under 40 Seconds

In Game 4, Utah Jazz fans thought they had a bead on exactly how it would end in the clutch vs. the Dallas Mavericks. After getting out to a comfortable 12-point lead at the half, the Jazz squandered it, allowing the Mavs to control the lead for most of the final period.

Jazz fans were, perhaps, expecting a down-the-stretch collapse, especially after Luka Doncic put the Mavs up by four points with 39.6 seconds to go. Crazier things have happened, sure, but this Jazz squad, led by these coaches and collection of players, haven't traditionally been able to overcome such an obstacle.

That changed on Saturday, though, as Donovan Mitchell responded with a three-point play of his own on the ensuing Jazz possession, narrowing the gap to one point. After getting a stop, the clock had run down to 11 seconds when Mitchell lofted an alley-oop up to Rudy Gobert to slam home for the go-ahead score.

The Mavs were unable to score on their final possession to close. Game over. Jazz win 100-99.

It's rare that an NBA team can overcome a four-point deficit with under 40 seconds to go in the playoffs. It's hardly ever happened, in fact.

According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Jazz became just the fifth NBA squad in the last 10 years to overcome such an obstacle in under 40 seconds to win in the playoffs.

The Jazz are the 5th team in the last 10 postseasons to win after trailing by 4+ points in the final 40 seconds. Teams were 4-701 in that span entering this game. pic.twitter.com/uJmH47XDXr
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 24, 2022

How about them apples? It feels good when the Jazz are doing what they should be: winning games, setting records, and earning historical distinctions.

Next up, Utah faces a trip back to the Lonestar State to face the Mavs in Game 5. The series is tied up 2-2.

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen.

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