The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 124-116, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday.

While there were five ties and seven lead changes in the first half. Utah never relinquished their lead in the second half. That can be attributed to a 34-28 second quarter and then a 30-23 third quarter. The Jazz actually got their lead up to 22 points at times in the second half, leading by eight points for the final 20 minutes of action. The Jazz outscored the Rockets, in the paint, 56-46, while out-rebounding them, 49-40. Utah shot 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Houston to 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range.

The Rockets (16-52) were led by Kenyon Martin Jr and his 27 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. DaQuan Jeffries amassed 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jae'Sean Tate accrued 13 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Khyri Thomas led the bench with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals.

The Jazz (50-18) were led by Georges Niang, totaling 24 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic generated 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Joe Ingles accrued 14 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Rudy Gobert finished with 13 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists.

Both teams return to action on Monday, with Utah traveling to face the Golden State Warriors and Houston remaining on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.