Have the Jazz Played Themselves Out of Playoff Contention?

The Utah Jazz were defeated by the Phoenix Suns, 117-103, in a Western Conference battle. Jazz Nation is probably wondering whether a playoff berth is possible, and that answer is yes.

The loss to the Suns dropped the Jazz to 35-40 on the season and the No. 12 seeding in the West. However, the Jazz are realistically only one game out of postseason contention but will need to string some victories together combined with some other teams losing as the season winds down.

The Jazz recorded four double-digit scorers on Monday night, led by Lauri Markkanen's 25 points and nine boards. It was obvious the All-Star was not 100% to begin the game, and an accidental knee to the midsection from guard Devin Booker hampered him even further, but Markkanen battled through injury and pain while putting his best foot forward, recording a respectable stat line.

Talen Horton-Tucker scored 18 points, with eight boards and eight assists, while Kelly Olynyk tossed in 10 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Horton-Tucker and Olynyk have been impressive and consistent over the last month or so. Guard Kris Dunn was solid off the bench with nine points, five assists, and three boards.

The big fish in the big pond was Walker Kessler, who posted 18 points, eight boards, and a ridiculous seven blocked shots. He also had a steal, an assist, shot 8-of-10 from the field, and registered a +7 game rating.

Jazz fans should take note that Kessler has blocked seven shots in four separate games, along with five-plus in 11 games. It's become apparent that the Jazz certainly received the better end of the Minnesota trade for Rudy Gobert while trending in the right direction for the future.

The Suns managed five double-digit scorers, led by All-Star guard Devin Booker's 24 points. 18 of those points were scored in the opening quarter, and he registered a +10 game rating.

Between the Jazz and Suns, a combined 24 players saw action, and Suns guard Landry Shamet was the only player who did not score. He played nearly 14 minutes.

The Jazz will hit the road to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. If there was ever a must-win game for the Jazz, the task awaits in Texas.

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