Joe Johnson game-winner lifts Jazz over Clippers in Game 1 (Video)

The Utah Jazz seemed up against it on the road, but Joe Johnson had other plans in stealing Game 1 from the Los Angeles Clippers

Almost immediately in Game 1 of the 4-5 matchup in the Western Conference Playoffs, the Utah Jazz suffered a terrible blow. Defensive Player of the Year candidate Rudy Gobert suffered a knee injury that took him out of the action. Thus, the heart of the Jazz defense and a key cog in the offense was taken out. However, the Jazz still had an ace in the hole in a veteran off of the bench: Joe Johnson.

Johnson and the Jazz fought like hell on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers. Even without the Stifle Tower locking down the middle of the defense, they were huge in keeping the stars for the home team at bay. As such, they were in the game in the final minutes. In fact, the Jazz and Clippers were tied at 95 — and Utah had the ball for the final possession.

For old time’s sake, it was Iso Joe with the rock. At the top of the key, the veteran guard ducked his shoulder and muscled his way into the lane. With just a sliver of separation, he got off a floater, and then watched it fall for the game-winner:

Joe Johnson: like a fine wine. That’s what I always say.

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While the game-winner was obviously the exclamation point, Johnson stepped up huge throughout Game 1. Off the bench, he finished with 21 points (9-of-14 shooting), three rebounds, three assists, three steals and even a block. Talk about a veteran stepping up for an inexperienced team — especially one in dire straits.