Jazz Keyonte George Scores Career High in 134-120 Loss to Thunder
The Utah Jazz were defeated 134-120 in a road match against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Jazz did not display crisp basketball as a unit and eventually trailed by 38 points.
However, the youth movement of Utah played the majority of the fourth quarter and scrapped to a respectable finish. Most expected the Jazz to lose this contest as the Thunder are the second-ranked team in the Western Conference, sporting a record of 14-7 prior to tip-off. Sometimes, you lose, but trailing by nearly 40 points is not acceptable in any way, shape, or form.
Five Jazzmen were able to provide double-digit scoring, led by rookie Keyonte George, who was a clear bright spot for the Jazz. He tossed in a career-high 30 points on 59% shooting from the field, drained five three-point shots, made all five free-throw attempts, dropped seven assists, and grabbed three rebounds. We are witnessing the growth of this young man right before our very eyes.
Simone Fontecchio ended his night with 19 points and a career-high four blocked shots. In reserve roles, Collin Sexton contributed with 20 points, while Luka Samanic scored four points and grabbed six boards along with six assists. Talen Horton-Tucker also strengthened the bench's productivity with 11 points and two assists.
The Jazz are clearly in search of an identity and more consistency on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. One final bright spot for the Jazz was scoring 45 points in the fourth quarter, which is the most since 2021.
All of the Thunder starters punched double-digit scoring tickets but were led by one of the better talents in the entire NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He managed 30 points on 71% shooting from the field, connected on all six free-throw attempts, dropped seven assists, and grabbed four rebounds along with three steals.
'SGA' also tallied a +35 game rating, which is an off-the-charts performance that should remind basketball fans how talented this Thunder guard is. Look for him at the All-Star game this season.
The Jazz won't have much time to dwell on this loss and face the New York Knicks on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm.
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