Jazz 154, Pistons 148: 5 Key Takeaways
The Utah Jazz won its ninth game in the last 12 contest(s) against the Detroit Pistons, 154-148, in an overtime thriller. Jordan Clarkson led the charge by scoring 29 of his 36 points after halftime, six rebounds, and three assists. This win was crucial as the Jazz will now face a difficult schedule over the next 11 games. Let's review the key takeaways as Utah continues its winning ways.
Clarkson Remains Solid Off the Bench
Clarkson remained solid on his follow-up triple-double performance. In addition to the above stat line, he grabbed a steal and recorded a +5 game rating. His focus increased as the game progressed, and his magic touch in the overtime session was one to behold.
Clarkson accomplished the feat as a reserve, and now it seems the Jazz coaching staff has finally accepted his natural role on this team. I think this team is playoff-bound if the pieces are utilized correctly, including Clarkson as the sixth man. In this role, he applies constant pressure on the opposition's defense and is capable of 30-plus points each and every night.
Lauri Markkanen Steady, as She Goes
A second consecutive All-Star selection is within his grasp, and the 31-point, seven-rebound effort will sway voters even more. He also tossed in a +12 game rating and dominated his match-up all night long.
Recent line-up adjustments are benefiting Markannen and allowing freedom in his offensive abilities. He truly reaped the benefits of Clarkson as a reserve. The competition is stiff, but Markkanen is in the All-Star conversation for the second straight year.
Sexton Continues to Contribute as a Starter
Sexton decided to get into his custom deluxe package on the eve of his Birthday by scoring 25 points, dishing out five assists, registering a +2 games rating, and committing zero turnovers in 30 minutes of action. He was perfect from the free-throw line on 10 tries and has made basketball life for the Jazz much easier to sleep at night. The Jazz are 9-3 in the last 12 games with Sexton as the lead guard and are rolling as they head into a challenging stretch of games. Excellent work, Mr. Sexton!
Ex-Jazz Players Thrive for the Pistons
Former Jazzmen Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks had a nice homecoming and scored 36 and 27 points, respectively. Their intensity was notable from the tip, and both performed admirably in front of old friends. Guard Cade Cunningham was spectacular with 31 points and 13 assists, and Jalen Duren was solid. The Pistons were simply beaten by a better team.
Head Coach Monty Williams on the Hot Seat
With this amount of talent on an NBA roster, the Pistons should not have the worst record in the league, currently sitting at 3-31. So why do the Pistons continue to lose games? Look no further than Coach Monty Williams, who now has an NBA record for the most consecutive losses in a row attached to his resume.
Early in the season, he was not utilizing guard Jaden Ivey, who is a clear-cut starter on this roster. Factor in starting guard Killian Hayes and forward Isaiah Stewart (who in my opinion, are not starters) will lead to more losses than victories. Now he's bringing Rookie Ausar Thompson off the bench when he should be a starter. When you analyze the Pistons, it's clear that Cunnigham, Ivey, Duren, Bogdanovic, and Thompson should be the Pistons starters, with Burks as the Sixth Man.
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