Jazz 101, Clippers 96: Four Key Takeaways
The Utah Jazz came out on the winning end of a 101-96 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. Kris Dunn led Utah with 15 points on 7-for-7 shooting, while Talen Horton-Tucker chipped in 13 points. Bones Hyland led the Clippers with 15 points in a losing cause.
Jazz fans were able to get some questions answered, but closure on Utah’s starting backcourt may not be a finished product.
What did we learn from Utah’s victory? Let’s examine.
Horton-Tucker & Sexton Get the Start
Talen Horton-Tucker and Collin Sexton were named the starters to begin the season, but one has to wonder how long that will last.
The pair combined for 16 points on an inefficient 6-for-19 from the field. It’s just one game, but having two ball-dominant players on the floor to start the game might not be the best path to a winning season.
Jazz fans can expect head coach Will Hardy to try different combinations before settling into his starting backcourt.
Dunn Stands Out in Limited Minutes
The closest thing Utah has to a facilitating point guard is Kris Dunn. The former lottery pick definitely impressed, shooting 100% from the field while dishing out five assists.
The production came against the Clipper's backups, but he stood out more than any player battling for minutes.
Dunn offers a skillset that Utah’s current roster is lacking. He’s a player who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact on the game while being the best-rostered wing defender.
Hendricks Buried at the Back of Depth Chart
Taylor Hendricks saw his first action as a Jazzman in the second half. He finished the contest with three points in 12 minutes of action.
It appears that both Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh will be spending some time in the G-League this year.
It’s a similar path that 2022 lottery pick Ochai Agbaji had to take his first year in Salt Lake City. Hendricks and Sensabaugh are only 19 years old, and not making an impact in their first year isn’t anything to worry about.
George Cemented in Rotation
Although Keyonte George didn’t stand out as he did in this year's Summer League, it’s a foregone conclusion he’ll be in the rotation when the regular season gets underway.
The No. 13 overall pick finished the contest with 10 points while dishing out five assists. George looks like the real deal and could strong-arm his way into the starting lineup at some point this season.
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