Jazz Outlast the Thunder in SLC, 124-117: 2 Winners, 2 Losers
The Utah Jazz defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-117 in another nail-biting Delta Center thriller. The Jazz have established themselves as one of the more high-octane teams in the league, and they are dangerous when clicking on all cylinders.
Widely regarded as one of the best small market organizations in NBA history, the Jazz continues to find success in delivering household talent to the basketball world. Can you say Lauri Markkanen? Most Jazz opponents can, and the Thunder recognized last night why.
On that note, let's analyze the winners and losers emerging from the contest.
Lauri Markkanen | Winner
Markkanen dazzled as the player of the game by scoring 33 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and handing out two assists. He made five shots from long distance on just seven tries, connected on all four free-throw shots, recorded one steal, and registered a +15 rating.
Let's keep in mind that 22 of his points were scored after half-time, and the Thunder were helpless in trying to thwart his dominance. Markkanen will represent the Jazz in this year's NBA All-Star three-point contest and looks locked and loaded to bring the hardware to SLC.
Josh Giddey | Loser
Giddey looked like he was in the Twilight Zone and could not succeed in the snow-capped mountains of Salt Lake City. He managed to score eight points, committed three fouls, generated no free-throw attempts, and charted a -5 game rating.
Occasionally, bad performances will surface, but when the trade deadline is looming, one should seek to protect his roster spot. Giddey laid a dud and did not help his team compete in a positive manner. Nights like this will prompt thoughts on whether the Thunder are a legitimate playoff contender or just a regular-season excitement with great young talent.
Kris Dunn | Winner
Dunn's game constantly produces for his team. He came to the Jazz on a last-chance opportunity and has certainly restored his billing as a former lottery pick. Dunn scored eight points, handed out five assists, registered four steals, had three blocked shots, snagged three boards, and recorded a +18 rating.
Dunn decided to show the Thunder how to properly display his custom-deluxe package in the heat of the moment, and that is one reason why the Jazz could be a tough out if they make the playoffs.
Luguentz Dort | Loser
Dort is the Thunder's defensive backbone and generally defends the opponent's best offensive wing scorer. Last night, he opened the floodgates for Matador's defense and watched Markkanen dismantle the Thunder.
Dort played a whopping 30 minutes and scored 10 points but committed five fouls. He also logged a game-low -12 rating and just looked out of the sink. His lack of size may pose some legitimate problems when the playoffs roll around.
The Jazz's record improved to 26-26, and they remain in the 10th spot in the Western Conference, while the Thunder currently hold the No. 2 ranking in the West.
The Jazz will now travel to the Valley of the Sun and face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night at 7:00 PM. This will be a stiff test as Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal will gladly welcome this challenge.
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