SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Facing one of the best midrange shooting teams in the league, Utah Jazz successfully denied the San Antonio Spurs chances to create shots anywhere except the middle range for most of the four quarters.

Utah beat San Antonio 110-99 on Monday night, in large part, denying Spurs any scoring chances on the rim and on the perimeter. San Antonio didn’t make their first layup until the last minute of the second quarter and Spurs missed all seven three points they attempted before half-time.

“We tried to make them win everything they had,” center Rudy Gobert said.

Gobert had 24 points and 15 rebounds while putting in the defensive effort that helped Utah lead the way. The Jazz earned their second straight victory with an efficient attack and solid defense. Utah scored 22 points on 13 San Antonio turnovers and shot 50 percent from the field.

“Getting off to a good start is really important to us,” jazz coach Quin Snyder said. “If that means playing our defense and getting easy chances, even better.”

Bojan Bogdanovic led the attack with 25 points. Jordan Clarkson added 16 points for the Jazz. Joe Ingles had 13 points and eight assists.

DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points and Rudy Gay added 17 points to lead Spurs, who lost their fourth straight game.

“We found a way to come out on Wednesday ready to compete, because this second half we have been competing very well with them,” said goalkeeper Dejounte Murray, who finished with 15 points. “I think we competed a lot more than we did in the first half – starting with myself.”

The Jazz scored on five straight possessions to carve out a 26-16 lead at the end of the first quarter. Clarkson and Bogdanovic each made back-to-back baskets to help Utah build a double-digit cushion.

San Antonio reduced the deficit to 40-35 on a Gay jumper in the second quarter. It’s as close as the Spurs before Utah warmed up again. The Jazz scored on six straight possessions to trigger a 17-4 run. Bogdanovic scored back-to-back baskets to start the race and punctuated it with a 3-pointer that gave Utah a 57-39 lead.

“When we play that way it’s really hard for the other team to play us because we have so many weapons,” said Gobert.

The Spurs have struggled to keep pace with the Jazz after repeatedly settling in for shots at mid-range. 19 of San Antonio’s 20 first-half baskets were mid-range shots.

“Poor first half, very good second half,” said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. “We kind of have that personality for a good part of the year.”

The Jazz led with up to 25 points in the second half, climbing 74-49 in the third quarter after Joe Ingles capped a 13-2 run with a 3-point pointer.

Utah and San Antonio will face off again on Wednesday.

TIP INS

Spurs: Devin Vassell scored San Antonio’s first 3 points of the game with 7:07 left in the third quarter. … Spurs only attempted 10 free throws but finished 10 of 10 from the free throw line.

Jazz: Bogdanovic led Utah to score for the fourth straight game. … Trent Forrest finished with career highs in points (9) and rebounds (4). … The Jazz beat San Antonio 66-46 in paint and 14-4 in quick break points.

DOORS OPENNING

More and more fans are watching the jazz matches in person in May.

The team expanded attendance to allow 6,700 fans to participate in all home games beginning with Saturday’s 106-102 win over Toronto. That’s 1/3 the capacity of the regular arena and it’s the most fan base an NBA team has allowed in their home arena this season.

This increase in attendance includes for the first time seating on the ground. Fans who wish to purchase seats in the field must show full proof of vaccination, as well as a negative COVID-19 test result.

Utah capped participation at 5,000 fans before making the switch at the end of April.

QUOTE

“If we’re undefeated, let’s save these jerseys for the playoffs.” – Bogdanovic after learning that Jazz are now 9-0 this season in the yellow jerseys they wore against Spurs on Monday night.

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