The structural shifts across each quarter reveal where the matchup was won and lost in the margins:
| Period | Score (SAS vs UTA) | Pivotal Run | Key Metric Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | 26, 24 | UTA 7, 2 to start | Paint defense holding under 45% FG |
| 2nd Quarter | 28, 27 | SAS 8, 0 closing push | Utah bench scoring (19 first-half points) |
| 3rd Quarter | 34, 22 | SAS 14, 2 scoring run | Interior rim deterrence (4 blocks in 6 mins) |
| 4th Quarter | 25, 28 | UTA 9, 2 rally | Late-clock free throw execution (SAS 8/9 FT) |
