The Jazz get back on the winning track against the Wizards

The Washington Wizards were just what the Utah Jazz needed on Thursday night.
Jan 25, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) shoots the
Jan 25, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) shoots the / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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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.

Next. The Jazz need to make moves with this year in mind. The Jazz need to make moves with this year in mind. dark