Utah Jazz vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Utah Jazz (15-7) play against the Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Game Time: 3:30 PM EST on Sunday December 5, 2021 Utah Jazz 97, Cleveland Cavaliers 92 (Q4 09:30) What’s the buzz on Twitter? Andy Larsen @ andyblarsen …

The Utah Jazz (15-7) play against the Cleveland Cavaliers (10-10) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Game Time: 3:30 PM EST on Sunday December 5, 2021

Utah Jazz 97, Cleveland Cavaliers 92 (Q4 09:30)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Jazz had a 15-point lead… and then the Cavs go on a 10-0 run. A couple sloppy plays (easy OReb putback for Markkanen, that Conley turnover), a couple unlikely threes (Okoro, Rubio). – 5:20 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Jazz get sloppy/lazy for a few possessions, and just like that, their 15-point lead is down to 97-92. Need to get back to hitting the boards, taking care of the ball. – 5:20 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
OH MY CEDI OSMAN!!! – 5:20 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
10-0 run from Cleveland, and now we have a 97-92 ballgame – 5:20 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
The @Rudy Gay bucket to hit 17,000 🔥
#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/bKLHH3pKfz5:20 PM

Utah Jazz @utahjazz
An afternoon for milestones—@Rudy Gay hits 17,000 career points!
#UltraMoment | @MichelobUltra pic.twitter.com/6eKsXYNI0v5:17 PM

Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Jazz up 91-82 at the end of 3Q in Cleveland. Jazz being able to sink off Okoro really helps make up for their size disadvantage down low. – 5:14 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
12 minutes to go. #LetEmKnow5:14 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
End 3Q: Jazz 91, Cavs 82. Pretty wonky close to the period, as the smallball lineup struggled on the boards, and was sporadic with its spacing. Still, enough 3s going in at this point to stay ahead — 17-38 overall. Don with 28p, 6a. Garland 22p/5a/4r for Cleveland. – 5:14 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
sunday buckle up check
#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/sm4lrt5Kn75:14 PM

Utah Jazz @utahjazz
Ocho back-to-back – 5:13 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
End of three in Cleveland: the Jazz lead the Cavs 91-82…. – 5:13 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Bad pass from Mitchell, but… Royce didn’t hustle for the loose ball, giving up the easy two points. – 5:12 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
Rudy Gay’s frozen rope jumper is surprisingly pretty. – 5:12 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
The Frobley Way 😤 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/HEKv7El5bq5:09 PM

Joe Vardon @joevardon
Evan Mobley’s game is so mature. Catches the ball on the wing, drives in, defender slides over — easy dish to Jarrett Allen for a dunk. We’ve watched young players try to shoot that here for years. The rookie has 14 pts, 6 rbs, 3 ast so far today against the Jazz. – 5:06 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
The Jazz lead Cleveland 80-73, but offense is coming too easily for the Cavaliers, particularly in the last few minutes. Also, the Jazz have taken a few bad shots of late. Also, Gobert is frustrated because he’s doing a lot himself defensively – 5:05 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
bogey 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 basket pic.twitter.com/KLjWeo2onq5:05 PM

Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
NEW: BYU beat Utah head-to-head and went 5-0 against the Pac-12, so why did the Utes finish ranked ahead of the Cougs, who are also out of the NY6?
CFP selection chair Gary Barta weighed in on that topic a short while ago: sltrib.com/sports/byu-cou…4:59 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
count the passes … 🧐 pic.twitter.com/C1dZxWqVRk4:58 PM

Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Ball movement night and day from two weeks ago. Maybe relatedly, so is Donovan Mitchell’s shot making. – 4:54 PM
David Locke @DLocke09
Go to work @Utah Jazz that was basketball perfection – 4:53 PM
David Locke @DLocke09
Jazz offensive rating in the first half against the 3rd best defense in the NBA is a 129. League average is 109. Jazz are best in the NBA at 118. – 4:43 PM
Joe Gabriele @CavsJoeG
Tight 1H matinee in CLE – teams combined 20-44 3ptFG, 9 ties, 10 lead-changes – #Cavs trail, 60-55; Garland, 14pts, 4-5 3ptFG (9-11 last 2 games), 4asst, 2reb, 2stl; Allen, 13pts, 5-9FG, 7reb, 2blk; Mobley, 10pts, 4-8FG, 6reb, 2asst, stl; UTA’s Mitchell, game-hi 18pts. pic.twitter.com/0zB5uqjUog4:39 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
What was your first favorite video game growing up? 🎮
The guys shared some of their memories as we celebrate Esports/Kids Night at @RMFieldHouse! pic.twitter.com/TNu6CqNCpY4:39 PM

Kelsey Russo @kelseyyrusso
At the end of the first half, the Jazz lead the #Cavs 60-55. That second quarter was more of a grind.
Darius Garland leads with 14 points and four assists. Jarrett Allen has 13 points and 7 rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell has 18 pts after making those last three free throws. – 4:38 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
fun first half!
#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/GQUZDGXtMu4:37 PM

Eric Walden @tribjazz
HALFTIME: Jazz 60, Cavs 55. Utah’s consistently shown the ability to put up points in a hurry in this game (11-24 from 3). They”re gonna need to get more stops, though (Cavs 9-20 from deep). Don with 18/5. Garland 14/4a, Allen 13/7r. – 4:36 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Work to do in the second half.
@socios | #LetEmKnow4:36 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Jazz up 60-55 at the half. The Gobert minutes a +9, including that last run at the end of the half to end it. Mitchell has 18 points, 5 assists already. – 4:35 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Halftime in Cleveland: the Jazz lead the Cavs 60-55….Mitchell with 18….Gobert with 10 rebounds…Bogdanovic with 11 – 4:35 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Cleveland is challenging the Osman foul on Mitchell – 4:31 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
Rudy block counter: 🚫🚫🚫
#TakeNote | @Rudy Gobert pic.twitter.com/IZBGUKlsW34:30 PM

Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Ricky Rubio is 90% lifetime on 50/50 balls – 4:30 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
That’s 3 fouls on Royce, and the Jazz are in the penalty on a fairly careless chase for a ball he had no shot at getting. Jingles is in. – 4:30 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
Donovan Mitchell has thrown that strange, but very pretty overhead two handed bounce pass twice in this quarter.
I don’t remember learning that at basketball camp. – 4:30 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Hell of a pass from Mitchell – 4:29 PM
Sarah Todd @NBASarah
Donovan Mitchell’s passing today has been crazy good – 4:29 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
overhead skip pass to royce for the triple 🤪
#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/G6QLcBNY3P4:27 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
And-1 for the BIG fella 💪 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/9T1M3LZvsD4:27 PM

Eric Walden @tribjazz
That is where the Jazz kill it. Beautiful skip pass from Don to Royce. – 4:24 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
The problem with the Cavs for the Jazz isn’t that their bigs are big. It’s that none of them are stiffs….they can all move on both ends….Jazz down 50-49….really good test for them – 4:23 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
JC was late rotating to that double-team, and Mobley winds up with an and-1. Gonna be interesting to see how the smallball Jazz defend this big Cavs lineup. – 4:18 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
These have been really good Rudy Gay minutes so far.
You can feel him in this game after a pretty dreadful outing against the Celtics. – 4:16 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
6:38 remaining in the first half: the Jazz lead Cleveland 44-42 – 4:14 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Welcome back, C3DI 👏 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/SadUBZl6XK4:11 PM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
No Trent Forrest filler minutes – 4:10 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
This 2-3 zone the Jazz are trying is yielding a ton of looks at open 3s. – 4:09 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
weather in cleveland
🌨 🌨
🌨 🏀 🌨 🏀 🌨
💧 💧 💧
🌨 🏀 🌨 🏀
🏀 💧 💧 – 4:09 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Mike Conley getting all up in there for an offensive rebound was impressive. Jazz need more of that from their smalls. – 4:08 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
One down, three to go! #LetEmKnow4:05 PM
David Locke @DLocke09
For those of you looking for the Jazz radio call this afternoon we are on 97.5 FM. The Raiders are on 1280 the Zone instead, so please listen at 97.5 FM or on the @Utah Jazz app – 4:04 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Jazz up 32-29 after 1Q. Both teams 6-11 from 3. Jazz probably need to give more respect to Garland’s shooting ability. But Donovan Mitchell’s been awesome, with great shooting, creative passing, and even being asked to guard Markkanen. – 4:04 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
End 1Q: Jazz 32, Cavs 29. Entertaining, back-and-forth scoring battle so far. Both teams went 6-11 from 3, and the Jazz got better on the boards as play went along. Don with 15p, 3a for Utah; Garland 12p, 4a for Cleveland. – 4:04 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
First quarter done: the Jazz lead Cleveland 32-29….a lot of shot making from both sides. Fascinating matchup – 4:04 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
defen 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘵 ders
#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/blkETvUmFm4:03 PM

Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
On a Zoom call, CFP selection chair Gary Barta noted that Utah and Pitt both won conference championships on Saturday, and that’s why they’re ahead of No,. 13 BYU.
Barta also defended putting Utah ahead of BYU, noting that the Utes are 9-1 since Rising took over at QB. – 4:02 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
Did… did Ricky Rubio forget who Rudy Gobert is? – 4:01 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
That’s our Rookie of the Month 😤 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/Gr7jqIjdfk4:00 PM

John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Getting some rare Gay-at-the-5 minutes right here from the Jazz. – 3:59 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
15 points already for 45 🔥
#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/qc5rxYqmNE3:56 PM

Kelsey Russo @kelseyyrusso
#Cavs Cedi Osman checks into the game. He missed the last three games due to low back soreness. – 3:56 PM
Kelsey Russo @kelseyyrusso
Darius Garland has an early 12 pts here in the first quarter and is a perfect 4-of-4 from 3.
If you want to read about Garland’s offensive growth, you can do that here: theathletic.com/2996664/2021/1…3:55 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
3:56 remaining in the first quarter. The Jazz lead the Cavaliers 26-24….Mitchell has 15 and 3 assists
Garland has 12 and 3 assists – 3:55 PM
Ryan Miller @millerjryan
Donovan Mitchell’s having one of those quarters. He’s up to 15 points and three assists and is in total control. Jazz lead 26-24. – 3:55 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Stay hot, DG!!!
@Darius Garland has an early 12PTS, shooting a perfect 4-4 from three 😳🔥 pic.twitter.com/9p7LaaerLo3:55 PM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
There is a buzz I haven’t heard in a while in Cleveland’s arena, it happens every time Donovan Mitchell OR Darius Garland shoots. Darius has four 3s and Donovan three. – 3:55 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Donovan Michell’s having himself a game. Cavs have shown little ability to stop him from getting to his spots, and he’s been ridiculously efficient — 6-7 FGs, 3-4 from 3, 15p. Jazz lead 26-24 w/3:56 left 1Q. – 3:55 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Garland is drilling threes right now. A couple of deep ones too. Fun game so far this afternoon. – 3:54 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
If you don’t contest Darius Garland, he’s probably going to keep making him. Not sure why the Jazz keep treating him as if he’s a non shooter – 3:54 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Rudy Gay-at-the-5 minutes – 3:52 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Rudy Gay the primary big off the bench. It’s happening – 3:52 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
THE BLOCK PARTY CONTINUES IN CLEVELAND
(Watch until the end 🤣) pic.twitter.com/WOF59BBwu83:49 PM

Utah Jazz @utahjazz
7,000 in Spida fashion ✨
#TakeNote | @Donovan Mitchell pic.twitter.com/GptsOhdVGY3:48 PM

Joe Vardon @joevardon
I have witnessed entire countries try to game plan for Rudy Gobert, rigging rosters so there is someone kind of tall who can shoot that he has to go out and chase. The Cavs’ strategy is one I have not yet seen: start three guys who are as tall as him. Jarrett Allen has 2 blocks – 3:48 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Ice gets this Sunday Funday started! 👌
📺 #CavsJazz on @BallySportsCLE pic.twitter.com/FzXMkaCuiS3:48 PM

Eric Walden @tribjazz
Jazz already seeing problems with the Cavs’ 3-big lineup. Bogey got switched onto Jarrett Allen in the post and got abused. Rudy switched onto Garland, and after a missed 3, Allen grabbed the O-reb over Utah’s wings. Utah’s had trouble getting to the rim, too. 10-7 Cavs. – 3:47 PM
Kelsey Russo @kelseyyrusso
That was pretty. #Cavs Jarrett Allen blocks Royce O’Neale’s shot, which leads to a transition 3 from Darius Garland. – 3:47 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
First timeout. The Jazz trail Cleveland 10-7…as with almost everyone, Utah struggling with Cleveland’s length at the rim on both ends of the floor….this is just a really tough matchup for the Jazz. They are going to have to shoot it well today – 3:46 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
Donovan reaches the 7,000 point mark in his 300th career game 🕷
#UltraMoment | @MichelobUltra pic.twitter.com/mfJYBxLHIh3:44 PM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
I’m done. Im a frustrated Bears fan. Time to watch Cavs and Jazz. Join my main man @34billy42 and me Monday 6:45 pre @Chicago Bulls @Denver Nuggets @670TheScore @Chicago Bulls radio network @Audacy Love you. Bulls Nation. – 3:44 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
With that basket Donovan Mitchell has 7,001 career points.
Fourth quickest active player to reach the mark. pic.twitter.com/9tfUXgP3RV3:44 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Gonna be a tough night defensively for Bojan Bogdanovic if he has to guard Jarrett Allen on the blocks like that – 3:43 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Donovan Mitchell and 7-foot Lauri Markkanen are matched up on both sides – 3:41 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Who’s ready for some Cavs basketball?! #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/Ko5BZC0ud23:41 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
The road trip starts 𝐍𝐎𝐖
#StartingLineup | @ZionsBank pic.twitter.com/qlWKSVvxzE3:38 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
Last time the @Utah Jazz faced Jarrett Allen he had 19 points, 18 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks on 8-9 shooting and was a +20 in a huge Nets win.
So they’ve probably got to have better success against him today if they want to win. – 3:38 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Who has recorded 6 consecutive double-doubles? Who is averaging 23.2 PPG, 12.5 RPG and 1.83 BPG?
This guy ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/O7wwHsCYk53:26 PM

Eric Walden @tribjazz
Surprising number of people wearing Jazz jerseys here in Cleveland today. Even saw two buddies rocking old-school Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson unis. – 3:21 PM
Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
Utah will begin putting Rose Bowl tickets on sale tomorrow.
I wonder how long it takes to exhaust the initial allotment.
SPOILER: It’ll be quick. pic.twitter.com/7eEm1wpDp73:11 PM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Might see some Rudy Gay five minutes this afternoon – 2:40 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Your Cavs Kids Night Starting Five ❤️💛 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/6NCimNTjnS2:40 PM

Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
NEW: Officially official
Utah will face Ohio State in its first Rose Bowl. Utes finish No. 11 in the CFP rankings: sltrib.com/sports/utah-ut…2:39 PM
Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
Utah is likely to finish No. 11 in the CFP rankings based on what’s been released thus far.
Utes finished 11th in 2019, too. – 2:36 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
What’s the nickname for this duo?
These two have been 🔥 this season #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/O4FIiMiqfN2:34 PM

Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
The lone Utah-Ohio State meeting all-time.
Sept. 27, 1986: Ohio State 64, Utah 6.
Could be a factor on New Year’s Day. – 2:28 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
In honor of Cavs Kids Night, our #CavsKidsClub Jr. Reporter DJ Lily Jade got to ask Coach a question during his pregame media availability…
He’s a big fan of Blue Ivy’s dad 😂 pic.twitter.com/GOrELLx1G92:22 PM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Hassan Whiteside is OUT this afternoon in Cleveland against the Cavaliers. Not a great time to lose your second center. Rudy Gobert will be the only big for the Jazz against the biggest and best-at-being-big team in the league.
Tall order – 2:17 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
As Quin Snyder was discussing the Jazz having to deploy Rudy Gay some at the 5 with Hassan Whiteside out, he noted “it’s ironic that it happens today when we’re going against three 7-footers.” He said opportunities have been limited to work on it, but they anticipated the need. – 2:16 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
No Hassan Whiteside today for the @UtahJazz. – 2:05 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Hassan Whiteside is out for the Jazz this afternoon. – 2:03 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Hassan Whiteside is OUT today vs. Cleveland (left glute contusion) – 2:01 PM
Ryan Miller @millerjryan
Hassan Whiteside is out tonight – 2:01 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Bickerstaff said the biggest benefit of having Ricky Rubio is that his willingness to accept a bench role “allows me to hold everyone accountable. … He’s a starting PG in the NBA — on a good team. If he’s willing to do that, there’s no reason for anyone not to sacrifice.” – 1:52 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff says he’s concerned about the Jazz’s sheer quantity of good 3-point shooters, but is happy with the adjustments Cleveland has made the past few games to limit opponents’ 3 attempts. – 1:49 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Not exactly the best slate of NFL games in the early window. Good things Cavs-Jazz starts in a couple of hours! – 1:39 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Feels good to be home. #MoreDriven pic.twitter.com/tdw2lzFYEq1:35 PM

NBA Math @NBA_Math
Current RPR ROY Predictor standings, determined by team success and our Rolling Player Ratings:
1. Scottie Barnes: 6.28
2. Evan Mobley: 5.92
3. Chris Duarte: 2.76
4. Franz Wagner: 2.63
5. Cade Cunningham: 2.35
6. Davion Mitchell: 1.52
7. Josh Giddey: 1.47
8. Alperen Sengun: 0.9 pic.twitter.com/9MQYbhE0fM1:06 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
The first Cavalier to record 30+ PTS, 10+ AST, 8+ REB, 5+ 3FG and shoot .800+ 3FG in a game 👀🔥
@KeyBank | #LetEmKnow1:00 PM
Utah Jazz @utahjazz
Afternoon plans 🏀
⏰ 1:30 PM MT
📺 @ATTSportsNetRM
📻 @ZoneSportsNet
#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/OERQgvO7YQ12:59 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Sunday Funday 🔜
🆚 @Utah Jazz
🕞 3:30PM ET
📺 @BallySportsCLE
@betwayusa | #GetItLocked pic.twitter.com/hnbjOmwDFg12:30 PM

Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
Final CFP Rankings for Utah through the years.
2014: No. 22
2015: No. 22
2016: No. 19
2017: N/A
2018: No. 17
2019: No. 11
2020: N/A
2021: ??? – 11:56 AM
Ryan McDonald @ryanwmcdonald
Utah No. 10, BYU No. 12 and Utah State the top team among others receiving votes in today’s AP poll – 11:37 AM
Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
Utah up to No. 10 in the new AP Top 25.
12. BYU
15. Oregon – 11:35 AM
David Locke @DLocke09
The daily challenge of the NBA is awesome
Friday Jazz played #4 defense, which switched the pick and roll more than any team in the NBA
Today Jazz play #3 defense and they switch at one of lowest rates and play almost exclusively drop big with amazing length – 11:04 AM
David Locke @DLocke09
Utah Jazz are a 4.5 pt favorite today in Cleveland. Jazz offense is #1 in the NBA and Cleveland defense is #3
Jazz have won 7 of 9. Cleveland has won 4 straight. Tip off is at 1:30 mtn
Here is a 60 second game preview pic.twitter.com/RQYBr2XH6X10:30 AM

Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
Feeding the community with every free throw this season!
With 360 made to date, we’ve raised $9,000 for the @CleFoodBank thanks to our friends at @GiantEagle!
#CavsCare pic.twitter.com/cgEMQxYGKI10:30 AM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
If the playoffs started today the Knicks would be out of the play-in tournament. I could see drop off from Cleveland and maybe Washington but East has more depth than West this season. pic.twitter.com/ene65qtsa59:53 AM

Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
NEW: We’re about set for a Utah-Ohio State Rose Bowl after Michigan beat Iowa last night to win the Big Ten.
Official announcement this afternoon as college football season has reached its Selection Sunday. sltrib.com/sports/utah-ut…9:31 AM