The Utah Jazz got a much-needed win over the Portland Trail Blazers, bringing their season record to 7-13 as they toppled the very young, very green Blazers 118-113. The Jazz got the win, but they had to fight for it. Despite holding a lead in the fourth, the Jazz blew it and allowed the Blazers to tie things up and send it to overtime, where the Jazz were able to run away with it.
It was Omer Yurtseven who stepped up to be the hero in overtime, with the big man scoring four of the team's nine in the remaining period of action. John Collins also had a nice overtime period, scoring five points of his own to help the Jazz take back the lead. Prior to overtime, however, it was the combined talents of Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler who did a lot to get the team into the fourth with the lead.
Sexton had 25 points on the night while shooting 9-13 from the floor and 7-7 from the free throw line. The guard had one of his better all-around games for the Jazz as he continues to try and prove his value to the franchise by getting an extension on his current deal.
Kessler, one of the key pieces of the Jazz going forward, had 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks, all while going 6-6 from the court. The Jazz were able to squeeze enough from everyone else to get the five-point win, especially Kessler's fellow center, Yurtseven. The Uzbekistan native had 15 rebounds on the night and really impressed with his ability to bully Deandre Ayton.
Taylor Hendricks also got involved in what was just the second NBA game of his career, having a modest game of five points, two rebounds, and two blocks, but looking good in the limited time he was given. Talen Horton-Tucker also had one of his better games as well, with four assists and three steals on the night, he shows what he can provide on occasion, against inferior guard talent.
Keyonte George also had a nice showing, putting up 20 points, pulling down six rebounds, and dishing out six assists. He's not a shooter, and is still taking too many shots from three he has no business taking, but when his shots are falling, and he's not turning the ball over, much like Horton-Tucker, George can have a good impact on a team.