The Jazz get back on the winning track against the Wizards

The Utah Jazz entered their game tonight in desperate need of a victory after a 3 game-losing streak had deflated the team a bit recently. On deck were the Washington Wizards, who had just demoted their head coach (with a mysterious promotion to the front office) and announced they would roll with an interim coach the rest of the way in 2023-24.

The Jazz came out a bit flat, spotting the Wizards a 13-4 lead, before responding and blowing the doors off to close out the first quarter. Simone Fontecchio had 8 points during a 28-5 run, including a 3-pointer from the parking lot (31 feet!) to give the Jazz a 32-18 lead at the 3-minute mark of the 1st quarter.

The 2nd quarter was a bit back and forth for a while, and then the Jazz opened up a 15-point lead before the Wizards cut it to 8 at the half.

In the 3rd, John Collins and Lauri Markkanen led the way, with 10 and 8 points respectively, as the Jazz rolled to a 34-22 advantage, and took a 20-point lead heading into the 4th.

The final quarter was a bit underwhelming, as the Jazz relaxed and the Wizards made them pay for a while before Utah responded and closed the game out with back-to-back Lauri Markkanen 3 pointers to seal the win, 123-108.

The Jazz again had 6 players in double figures in a win this season (Collins, Markkanen, Olynyk, Clarkson, Sexton, Fontecchio).

72 points in the paint for the Jazz tonight, which ties their high on the season, a tremendous number. The Jazz also outrebounded the Wizards 52-35.

John Collins had a monster game, with 22 points and 16 rebounds. He was a +22 in his time on the court. One of his best games as a Jazzman.

Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals and was more assertive in getting the ball and making shots after a few rough outings.

Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Clarkson each had 19 points off the bench, and came up with buckets just when they were needed.

The Jazz move to 23-23 on the season and maintain play-in position in the standings. Their next game is Saturday afternoon in Charlotte against the Hornets (10-32) who are on a 6 game skid. A golden opportunity for the Jazz to start their next winning streak.