Quin Snyder's tweaked his playing rotation, allowing for more Boris Diaw minutes at center with the second unit, in order to create offensive spacing. He put Joe Ingles on Chris Paul, hoping his 6-foot-8 frame would be enough to bother the Clippers star defensively. He had Derrick Favors screening for Gordon Hayward, freeing his small forward for a career night.
At some point, however, you run out of adjustments, and talent takes over. And Paul isn't regarded as one of the best point guard in the NBA for nothing.
As the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Utah Jazz 111-106 in Friday's Game 3, Paul's 34 points were as demoralizing to the Jazz as they were efficient for the Clippers. In leading Los Angeles to a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference first-round series, Paul took over in a way no Jazz player could match.
And as the Clippers celebrated in the final seconds before a stunned sellout crowd at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Paul knocked home a couple of insurance free throws for good measure.
"At some point, the game becomes about Chris Paul," Snyder said. "He just puts a lot of stress on a defense. He opens up the floor from a spacing standpoint. All you can do is give him different defensive looks. He's going to eventually figure you out, when you do one thing."
Paul scored 24 of those 34 points in the second half. He went 12 of 22 from the field, 5 of 8 from 3-point range. He handed out 10 assists and grabbed seven rebounds. He swished all eight of his foul shots, and had an effective counter for every defensive look the Jazz threw at him in the kind of marvelous playoff performance he's become known for throughout his career.
"CP. He was phenomenal down the stretch." Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "On both ends."
Even with Paul controlling every moment and every possession, there is a sense that the Jazz blew an opportunity.
Blake Griffin — Los Angeles' star power forward — left the game before halftime with a sore toe. He had been a major pain for the Jazz in the first half, scoring 11 points, consistently muscling his way inside the lane for buckets.
Yet even with Griffin playing well, the Jazz were rolling. They led by as much as 14 points on Friday night. They shot almost 60 percent from the field in the first half to take a 58-49 lead to the locker room.
Ironically, Griffin's injury turned into a bad thing for the Jazz. Instead of sharing touches with Griffin, his injury forced the ball into Paul's hands on every possession. And the Jazz couldn't find defensive stops in the second half.
"We got off to a great start," Hayward said. "The energy was great, it was electric out there. We couldn't get stops at the end of the game. It allowed them to set their defense on us. It came down to the defensive end."
The win gives the Clippers the home-court advantage they lost in Game 1 to the Jazz. Now, the Jazz face a must-win in Sunday's Game 4; should they go down 3-1, the series would be all but over.
"It's an important game for us," Snyder said. "We have to do some things better."
The Jazz received a career-high 40 points from Hayward, including a Jazz playoff record 21 points in the first quarter. But without Rudy Gobert for the second consecutive game, Utah found itself undermanned on the interior, losing the rebounding battle for a third consecutive game in the series and struggling to keep DeAndre Jordan away from the paint.
Jordan dominated, scoring 17 points, and grabbing 13 rebounds. Luc Mbah a Moute was big in Griffin's absence, scoring 15 points and grabbing six rebounds.
George Hill had his best game of the series, scoring 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Joe Johnson added 15 points as well for the Jazz. The Jazz had a chance to tie the game in the waning seconds, but Hayward's inbounds pass to Johnson sailed wide.
In the end, the Jazz played well, considering Gobert's absence. But they couldn't get stops when it counted, and they couldn't find an answer for Paul when it mattered.
"It's a learning experience for us," Hayward said. "We have to take what we did well tonight and try to do some of the same things on Sunday in Game 4."
tjones@sltrib.com
Twitter: @tribjazz
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans get the attention of some Clippers fans prior to Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fan Spencer Richards riffs off the "Homer" name-calling with his signs prior to Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Darren Wible from Layton strikes a pose prior to Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune l-r Brothers Justen Nuffer and David Nuffer get ready to celebrate David's birthday as "superfan" style as the Utah Jazz host the Los Angeles Clippers during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune The arena is filled with fans holding signs celebrating Homer Simpson signs as a result of Clippers player Chris Paul calling Jazz fans "homers" earlier in the week. The Utah Jazz host the Los Angeles Clippers during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) fires off a 3-pointer. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) calls the play. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) looks back after sinking a 3-pointer. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) hits the deck trying to get to the ball before LA Clippers guard JJ Redick (4). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) hits the deck trying to get to the ball before LA Clippers guard JJ Redick (4). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) denies LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) denies LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder during a timeout. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Fans pressure LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) at the line. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) and Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) after a timeout. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) and LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) fight for possession. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) denies LA Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) fires off a 3-pointer. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) battles LA Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) for a loose ball. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) stuffs the net. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) confers with referee Tony Brothers. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives to the net over LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3), Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) and Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrate play in the first half. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) battles LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) under the net. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder argues a call. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) pulls in a loose ball. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans pester LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) as he shoots free throws during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder barks instructions to his team during a first half time out as Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) and LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) battle for a loose ball during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) reaches for the ball after batting it from LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans react to a made free throw during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Fans are excited for playoffs in Utah prior to Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) and LA Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) get tangled up fighting fvor a loose rebound during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) stops at the top of the key for a jumper during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Injured Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) sits on the edges of a Jazz time out during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) gets sandwiched between LA Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) and LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) complains to a referee about a foul call during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) is forced to pass out from under the basket during first half play by the defense of Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6). Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) looks up after a foul call during first half play when LA eroded a large Utah lead. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) follows the flight of a 3-point attempt during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) stuffs the net over LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) and LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) reacts to his dunk over Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates his dunk with Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) stuffs the net over LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) and LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates play with Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during a timeout. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) celebrates a 3-point sink. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) tries to fire up his teammates. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) watched the game from the sidelines. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) questions the foul called on him. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder reacts to a foul called on Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) fouls LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the net around Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) denies LA Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) and takes possession. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) denies LA Clippers center Marreese Speights (5). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) stuffs the net on Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) and LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) fight for a loose ball. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) battles LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) for the rebound. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) gets the foul on this play battling LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) gets the foul on this play battling LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) drives to the net around Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) who was given a foul. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) pressures Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans react to the lead slipping away in the fourth period. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) scored 26 points and forward Gordon Hayward (20) scored 40 points. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune "Not so fast!" LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) put a stop to the Jazz' hopes in game 3. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder and Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) walks off the floor after missing two key free throws in the final minute of the game. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) walks off the floor after missing two key free throws in the final minute of the game. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) walks off the floor after the Jazz let a lead slip away and lost to the LA Clippers. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder discusses play with assistant coaches during a timeout. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans react as the Jazz lose to the Clippers at home. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) had 40 points for the game. The Utah Jazz lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 106-111 during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers. The Utah Jazz lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 106-111 during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune A Jazz fan gives LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) a piece of his mid during second half play. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) hangs on the rim after a huge dunk during second half play. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.
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