Jazz Hold Off Clippers for First Win of the Season, 120-118
On Friday night, the Utah Jazz outlasted the Los Angeles Clippers 120-118 in a last-second, high-octane thriller at the Delta Center. Both teams experienced team highs and lows during the contest, but in the end, the Jazz earned the victory. This was almost a must-win for the Jazz, as they will compete in five games over the next seven days.
Utah got back to the basics by funneling its offense through All-Star Lauri Markkanen, who scored a team-high 35 points, tied for the lead in rebounds with 12, handed out three assists, and registered a game-high rating of +11. He showed off his custom deluxe package.
There were six total Jazzmen who contributed double-digit scoring, and newcomer John Collins tallied his second consecutive double-double with 13 points and 12 boards. Kelly Olynyk chipped in with 15 points, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson scored 13 points each, and Talen Horton-Tucker tossed in 10. Clarkson buried the game-winning three-point shot in the final seconds of regulation, and the Clippers couldn't respond.
The Clippers were led by their All-Stars Paul George, who cruised to 36 points, and Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points with five assists. Norman Powell came off the Clipper bench and scored 20 points.
A key takeaway in Friday night's victory was the effort to keep Markkanen rolling the entire contest. It's no secret when a true No. 1 option is on your roster, his skill set must be utilized, and the Jazz were successful in their efforts.
Also notable was how Kris Dunn was used against the Clippers. Before fouling out of the contest, Dunn kept the steady flow of the Jazz in a positive direction. Overall, this was a great team victory for the 801.
The Jazz and Clippers are 1-1 for the season, and the Jazz will face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. in the Valley of the Sun.
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