Red-Hot Jazz Take Down Lakers, 132-125: Two Winners, 1 Loser
The Utah Jazz defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 132-125 last night at the Delta Center. The Jazz operated on back-to-back status while the Lakers were completely rested.
The final score is pretty accurate based on team performances as the Jazz improved their overall record to 21-20 and now rank ninth of 15 teams in the Western Conference.
On display again was the sheer depth assembled by Jazz executive Danny Ainge, who eventually wore a rested Laker team down. Now let's break down the biggest winners and losers from the Jazz victory.
Winners: All Jazz Players
The Jazz depth played an essential role in this victory, and each member, starter, and reserve contributed when called upon. Lauri Markkanen scored 29 points, Collin Sexton added 27 points, and Jordan Clarkson and Keyonte George tallied 21 and 19 points in reserve roles, respectively.
Also, John Collins made sure he was not silent by scoring 19 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, had three steals, two assists, one blocked shot and tied Sexton with game-high +18 ratings. All of the Jazz starters registered positive game ratings, and this group is currently pushing all of the correct buttons.
The hope for Jazz Nation is the continued health of the team and, at least for now, no unnecessary trade talk and rumors.
Winner: Coach Will Hardy
Over the past several weeks, Hardy has experimented with multiple starting line-ups. He seems to have located the perfect balance for his group, including using Jordan Clarkson as a reserve. This adjustment has placed each Jazz member in their natural position, and everyone operates freely within the offense
And we all know what happens when players are not starving on the offensive end of the floor, they are eager to compete on the defensive end of the floor. Hardy has also elevated Sexton and Dunn as a starter, which helps with the maturity of George.
Even the oddsmakers are noticing Hardy's adjustments. Two weeks ago, Hardy had a one in 800 chance to win the NBA Coach of the Year this season. Those odds have diminished to one in 35. This proves people from all walks of life are watching your every move. Rock on, Coach Hardy.
Loser: Austin Reaves
Reaves scored 19 points on 88% shooting from the field. Most people would read the box score, review the shooting stats, and assume he played well but not so fast.
Reaves recorded a game-high -21 game rating, meaning his team operates negatively when on the floor against the Jazz. He also fouled out of the game and posed no dear threat to any Jazz frontcourt members.
I sometimes wonder what goes through the minds of some coaches, but it’s crystal clear Laker guard D'Angelo Russell is simply a better player than Reaves. The Lakers are 3-7 in their last 10 games, have dropped to the 11th seed in the West, are 1.5 games behind the Jazz, and are trending in the wrong direction. So much for an In-Season Tournament.
The Jazz will enjoy an off day before facing the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at the Delta Center.
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