Jazz Fall to the Lakers in SLC, 138-122: 2 Winners, 2 Losers
The Utah Jazz were out-dueled by the Los Angeles Lakers 138-122 last night at the Delta Center as this contest highlights a season-low with team morale. This is the time of the season when the cream-of-the-crop organizations are rising in an effort to secure a playoff birth.
There are multiple ways to earn a piece of the postseason, such as winning games, making legitimate moves at the trade deadline, or keeping a competitive team intact for the season. As for now, the Jazz are not engaging in a formula dedicated to winning, and the front office has basically decided to play musical chairs and develop their young talent along the way.
Let's review the winners and losers from last night's contest.
Rui Hachimura | Winner
Lakers forward Hachimura filled a voided starting role in the absence of 'King" James and delivered a career-high 36 points. His motivation and detail in the scouting report were apparent during the warm-up session prior to the tip-off of the game.
He shot 68% from the field, made six shots from distance on just eight tries, and connected on four free throws with five attempts while retaining a +25 game rating. Needless to say, this man was sizzling, and the Lakers are beginning to resemble a playoff contender who could make a nice during the postseason. Performances like these boost the team's morale even when its best player is not in uniform.
Jazz Front Office | Loser
Jazz Nation has to be feeling the what-if theory each and every night, and there seems to be no realistic answer to why Jazz is headed in this direction. Prior to the trade deadline, this group was certainly a postseason threat. Lauri Markkanen is a top offensive option. Collin Sexton has commanded the title of the team's second-best player, and it appeared the additional pecking order was established with an emphasis on the team actually liking each other. Several trades were facilitated in the blink of an eye, and now the Jazz is almost like an expansion team with a low floor. Now, we are witnessing organizational efforts to develop young players.
I am for developing young talent as it's a part of all NBA rosters, but the proper timing and correct moment are the key. Rookie Keyonte George will be a stud in this league for years into the future, but he is better suited to learning behind guard Kris Dunn, who was a lottery pick when he entered the NBA. Dunn is clearly the best point guard on this roster because of their ability to run an offense and play defense while not interfering with the natural flow of his teammates.
Taylor Hendricks also has future potential, but as for now, he makes too many defensive mistakes. And last night, we saw him play nearly the same amount of minutes as Dunn, which seems off. Dunn is the team's best floor general, yet the Jazz are being led by rookies?
Anthony Davis | Winner
Davis stood out by scoring 37 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and posting a +24 game rating. He was on a winning mission and, unlike prior years, has been available on a nightly basis for the Lakers. It's no secret that Davis plays a massive role for his team to sniff a chip. If he remains healthy for the remainder of the season, LA is not a team you would want to face in the postseason.
John Collins | Loser
Collins posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds but posted a -6 game rating and was 0-for-3 from downtown. We also witnessed a possible "SHAQTIN' A FOOL" moment when he rolled the ball in bounce to Laker guard Austin Reaves and then fouled him while converting a lay-up. Reaves completed the old-fashioned three-point play compliments of John Collins. He also committed four fouls, and one has to realize that the Atlanta Hawks knew exactly what they were doing when they traded Collins. It just seems unfair that a player of his talent has trouble embracing the simple intricacies of the game of basketball.
The road does not get easier for the Jazz as the Golden State Warriors will make a visit to the Delta Center tonight at 7:00 PM.
