The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Utah Jazz, 119-111, on Friday at Orlando.

The Spurs (30-38) were playing a pivotal contest in their race to earn a playoff spot in the Western Conference, and they couldn't have wished for a better opponent since the Jazz (43-26) rested several key players, such as Donovan Mitchell (leg), Rudy Gobert (rest) and Mike Conley (knee). This was noticeable in the way the game happened, as Utah's biggest lead was two points early in the first quarter. The Spurs controlled the contest and led by as much as 16 in the first period, although they were leading by almost double digits during the entire contest. Utah attempted a late comeback, but their efforts were not enough. San Antonio kept their playoff chances alive with a big win, although they still depend on what will happen with the rest of the teams sitting above them in the standings.

Derrick White was the Spurs' leading scorer with 24 points, and he also added six rebounds with four assists. Jakob Poeltl notched 19 points with 10 rebounds, while Rudy Gay chipped in with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals off the bench. Lonnie Walker IV had 14 points, while DeMar DeRozan added 13 points with five assists, two steals and two boards. Dejounte Murray had 11 points.

Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to lead the Jazz with 24 points in 25 minutes while shooting 8-of-18 from the field. Joe Ingles had 12 points, Emmanuel Mudiay notched 14 points with five dimes, and Tony Bradley contributed a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench. Mine Oyi scored 14 points while adding seven rebounds in 31 minutes.