Basketball is a sport that is known for its high-scoring games and impressive dunks. However, in the NBA, there are always a few games each season where the score is surprisingly low. In 2018, there was one game in particular that stood out for its lack of scoring. Let's take a closer look at the lowest scoring NBA game of 2018.
The Game
The game in question was played on March 28, 2018, between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz. The game was played at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Going into the game, the Lakers had a record of 32-40, while the Jazz had a record of 41-31.
Both teams struggled to score from the start of the game. At halftime, the score was only 29-26 in favor of the Jazz. The second half wasn't much better, with both teams continuing to struggle on offense. In the end, the Jazz were able to hold on for a 96-81 victory.
The Stats
The final score of 96-81 may not seem like a low-scoring game, but it was actually the lowest-scoring game of the 2018 NBA season. The Lakers shot just 35.4% from the field, while the Jazz shot 43.3%. The two teams combined for just 29 made field goals in the game.
The leading scorer for the Lakers was Julius Randle, who scored 17 points. For the Jazz, Donovan Mitchell led the way with 28 points. No other player on either team scored more than 16 points.
Why So Low?
So, why was this game so low-scoring? There are a few factors that likely contributed to the lack of scoring. First, both teams were playing on the second night of a back-to-back, which can often lead to tired legs and poor shooting.
In addition, both teams were missing some key players. The Lakers were without Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma due to injuries, while the Jazz were missing Ricky Rubio and Dante Exum.
Finally, both teams are known for their defense. The Jazz had the second-best defense in the NBA that season, while the Lakers were ranked 12th in defensive efficiency.
The Impact
While this game may not have been the most exciting to watch, it did have some impact on the NBA playoff picture. The Jazz were able to secure a playoff spot with the win, while the Lakers were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss.
Overall, the lowest scoring NBA game of 2018 was a reminder that even in a sport known for its high-scoring affairs, there are always a few games that don't quite live up to expectations.