NBA Rookies: Keyonte George Getting Reaccustomed Following Return from Injury
Keyonte George has been one of the most productive rookies in the association for the Utah Jazz this season, coming into the league as the No. 16 overall draft pick in 2023.
Among all freshmen, he sits seventh in minutes per game with 25.6, receiving plenty of experience while producing effectively as a scorer for the Jazz, who hold a 14-19 record.
His contributions took a hiatus when George had to nurse a foot injury stemming from a Dec. 13 contest against the New York Knicks — though it could’ve been much worse.
He’d go on to return in 13 days to face the San Antonio Spurs, helping Utah to claim the win with a 10-point outing on 4-of-11 shooting in 24 minutes off the bench.
Pre-injury, George was consistently posting 15-plus point games.
His second game returning from injury was a bit of a step back, notching only four points on a poor 14.3% shooting night — but still got his teammates involved despite that with five assists.
But his third game is where he looked back to form, and then some.
Taking down a 19-13 team in the Miami Heat who stand at No. 4 in the East, an eight-point win to end their four-game win streak was constructed by George in an electric fourth quarter.
In 28 minutes, he hit five times in eight shots from beyond the arc, tallying 21 points in total on 60% shooting.
This game brings George to 11.0 points per game on the season, averaging the sixth most points among rookies on the year.
He and the Jazz have two tough weeks ahead, facing the likes of the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets.
George’s rookie season is unfolding very well, as the Jazz will need him in this upcoming stretch hoping to establish themselves in a better position come playoff time.
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