76ers Thump Jazz in SLC, 127-124: Key Takeaways
Despite Joel Embiid's absence, the Utah Jazz lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 127- 124 at the Delta Center on Thursday night. Both teams seemed engaged and fully aware of TNT's national broadcast presence.
Fast-paced action was displayed from the opening tip as 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey scored 18 points in the first quarter and was tough to deal with all night. Maxey would eventually tally an NBA career-high of 51 points fresh off his 2024 All-Star Game selection as a reserve.
Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen certainly carried his weight by scoring 28 points and snagging 10 rebounds, but an opposing player dropping a career-high is tough to overcome. The loss drops the Jazz to 24-26, although they retain their grip on the 10th seed in the Western Conference.
Now, let's review several takeaways from this exciting slugfest.
All-Star Reserves Revealed
Prior to the Jazz-76ers battle, the NBA revealed All-Star reserves, which are selected by the NBA coaches. Reserve selections should be deemed more authentic as the starters are selected widely on popularity and fan recognition. Many basketball eyes honed in on the Western Conference reserve selections in anticipation of a Markkanen landing.
Unfortunately, Markkanen was not selected for the All-Star team, but his snub played no factor in his game performance. In addition to his stat line listed above, he shot 67% from the field, connected on four shots from distance, made all four free-throw attempts, and registered a +1 game rating. Markkanen may not be an All-Star officially, but he is without question one of the toughest forwards in the league.
Again, Maxey was selected as an Eastern Conference reserve and scored a career-high 51 points. He shot 63% from the field and a blistering 78% from beyond the arc, connected on 10 of 11 free throws, and grabbed two rebounds.
A surprising stat was his -2 game rating, but he reigned victoriously. This young man proved his All-Star selection was worthy and solidified.
Jazz Remain in Playoff Hunt
Competitors do not welcome losses, especially when a playoff ticket is up for the taking. The Jazz are intertwined in a constant battle for postseason attendance, and each loss draws other competitors closer to their throne.
While the Jazz currently maintains the 10th seed in the West, they are one full game behind the LA Lakers but only a half-game ahead of the Houston Rockets. The Golden State Warriors have surged lately and are one full game behind the Jazz.
Win a game and remain postseason eligible, yet a loss may have travel agents' lines ringing off the hook. We will have to remain patient due to the trade deadline, but as currently constructed, the Jazz still have a shot at the postseason.
The regular season tasks don't get easier as the Jazz will now face the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday at 6:00 PM live at the Delta Center.
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