Jazz Still Have a Puncher's Chance at Playoffs Despite Lakers Loss

The Utah Jazz were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers, 135-133, on Tuesday night in an overtime thriller. Was the game so exciting because the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James was in town, or because we have gotten used to this Jazz team consistently fighting tooth and nail?

Either way, Utah continues to have a puncher's chance at qualifying for the postseason. 10 Jazzmen received game minutes while landing seven players in double-digit scoring, led by Kelly Olynyk and Talen Horton-Tucker, notching 23 points apiece.

Olynyk also dished out seven assists, grabbed seven boards, and made all four of his three-point attempts. Horton-Tucker also dished seven assists, grabbed four rebounds, snagged two steals along with a blocked shot. Ochai Agbaji assisted the starting unit with 22 points and relative newcomer forward Luka Samanic tossed in 12 points.

In reserve roles, center Damian Jones scored 16 points, grabbed eight boards and handed out an assist, while the return of Collin Sexton yielded returns of 15 points. Kris Dunn was as solid as ever, with 10 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a steal.

Each Jazzman that played scored at least two points, and what is more compelling is the fact that Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Jordan Clarkson did not suit up. I generally don't comment on absent players because injuries are part of the sports business. But when you consider the Jazz have no starters on this team from last season, were down three starters against the Lakers, and were still able to force overtime, the rest of the NBA must be thinking that Utah is closer to NBA Finals than the team is far away.

The Lakers recorded five double-digit scorers, led by James' 37 points, six assists, and five rebounds. He received an abundance of help from Anthony Davis, who tossed in 21 points, 14 boards, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Austin Reaves chipped in with 28 points, six rebounds, and handed out three assists, while Dennis Schroder and Rui Hachimura scored 18 and 17 points, respectively.

The Lakers currently hold the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, while the Jazz occupy the No. 12. The Jazz will face the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Thursday night.

A win could possibly land Utah back in the playoff picture.

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