Jazz Road Struggles Continue vs. Suns in 129-115 Loss: Winners & Losers
The Utah Jazz were defeated by the Phoenix Suns 115-129 on Thursday night at the Footprint Center. This contest takes place following the finalization of the NBA trade deadline, as Jazz Nation says goodbye to Kelly Olynyk, Ochai Agbaji, and Simone Fontecchio.
The Jazz players were affected by the organizational decisions made at the trade deadline, but they were ousted by a better Suns team, at least last night.
Let's relive the emergence of winners and losers in last night's lopsided affair.
Collin Sexton | Winner
Sexton implemented his as-usual aggressive style while scoring 19 points, dishing eight assists, snaring four rebounds, and blocking one shot. He committed five turnovers and missed four free throws on six attempts, which isn't great, but he never ceases his determination with regards to getting the better end of his opponent.
Clearly noticeable was a verbal difference of opinion between him and coach Will Hardy, in which Sexton did not back down. We will continue to monitor the Hardy Sexton relationship, but as he does on most nights, Sexton provided the lunch pale and hard hat mentality.
Trade Deadline | Loser
You know I've developed a distaste for NBA trades if you have read my articles. Yesterday was another example of why teams suffer more than benefit from trades. The Jazz missed the skillset of Olynyk and Fontecchio, as both can shoot from a distance and provide ball-handling assistance.
I also wonder why games are played on a day when trades are being facilitated. How about having no games for a several-day stretch until all trades are finalized?
How can we expect maximum effort if you are not with your current team before regulated game time? It's past time for an NBA committee to make positive changes surrounding the trade deadline. Proper corrections would increase the integrity of the NBA band.
Phoenix Suns | Winners
The Suns operated as a unit while claiming its 31st victory of the season. They currently occupy the fifth seed in the Western Conference and trail the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers by four games. Former Jazzman Grayson Allen dropped a career-high 14 assists while registering a +14 game rating.
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal threw in 31 and 30 points, respectively, and seemed to be in blaze mode all night. The Jazz thwarted the Suns' momentum several times but were unable to tame the flame throwers. The Suns played an excellent team game and deserve credit for an awesome performance.
Taylor Hendricks | Loser
Hendricks has experienced life as an NBA rookie at the highest level. His young career has had major highs and lows, but he should be further along defensively, particularly with his length and skill set. He is often lost on the defensive end of the basketball court and should understand his workload will increase with the departure of former teammates.
Hopefully, the coaches, his teammates, film study time, and recognition will assist Hendricks in becoming a more cerebral attribute. The Jazz will have the weekend to relax before inviting the Golden State Warriors to the Delta Center on Monday night at 7:00 PM.
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