SALT LAKE CITY — Donovan Mitchell had 23 points and eight assists as the Utah Jazz enjoyed a record-breaking performance from long range in a 132-110 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.
Utah set a franchise mark for 3-pointers with 28, including 19 off the bench — the most by any team’s backups in NBA history, according to STATS.
Joe Ingles and Georges Niang led the way, making a career-high seven 3s apiece. Each player finished with 21 points. Jordan Clarkson added 20.
Charlotte gave up 54 total 3-pointers in two games against Utah this season.
Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball scored 21 points apiece to lead the Hornets. Malik Monk added 20. Charlotte (14-16) lost despite scoring 25 points off 21 Utah turnovers.
The Jazz (25-6) continuously attacked from the perimeter during the first half. They shot 29 3-pointers before halftime — a club record for attempts in a half.
It paid off at times. Utah made eight 3s in the first quarter as 72% of its shot attempts came from behind the arc during the period.
Charlotte built its first double-digit lead early in the third when P.J. Washington’s steal and slam capped a 12-1 run that put the Hornets ahead 81-70. Charlotte forced six turnovers during the spurt and scored four baskets off those turnovers — highlighted by 3-pointers on three straight possessions from Ball, Hayward and Washington.
Utah erased the deficit and went back ahead on back-to-back baskets from Clarkson and Niang before the third quarter ended. Their buckets sparked a 26-2 run extending into the fourth quarter.
The Jazz opened the fourth by scoring baskets on five straight possessions. Consecutive 3-pointers from Mike Conley and Niang punctuated the run and gave Utah a 111-92 lead.
Hayward exited with an apparent wrist injury with 10 minutes left. He did not return. Charlotte visits Phoenix on Wednesday.
