The Utah Jazz entered the night having lost 8 of 9 games, and with multiple players out, including Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, needed a win desperately. Which version of the Jazz would we see tonight?
From the starting gun, the game was fast-paced and ended up 41-35 at the end of the 1st quarter, and not a lot of defense anywhere.
In the 2nd, the Jazz went down briefly, before a brilliant 17-0 run gave them a 3-point lead and gave the fans hope that tonight would be different. By halftime, the Jazz trailed by just one - 75 to 74.
After the pit stop of halftime, the Jazz slowed the pace a bit, as John Collins started to assert himself, with 7 points, 5 rebounds and a block to keep the Jazz competitive.
By the 4th, the Wizards looked like a pace car that was no longer at top speed. The Jazz played better defensively, holding the Wizards to 14 points in the period, as the Jazz took the checkered flag, 127-115.
Jordan Clarkson had a spectacular game, with 38 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal, and only a single turnover in 36 minutes of play. He broke the Jazz record for 30-point outings off the bench, previously held by Thurl Bailey, who interviewed him post-game about the accomplishment.
Collin Sexton had 29 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals in another stellar game for the Young Bull.
Johnny Juzang, in his most significant action as a member of the Jazz, had 10 points in 20 minutes off the bench.
John Collins finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocked shots in one of his best games of late.
On a down note, both Taylor Hendricks (toe injury) and Keyonte George (illness) departed this game early. No announcement on their availability has been made going forward as of yet.
The Jazz (28-34) play next on Wednesday night, at home against the Chicago Bulls (28-32).