Jazz's Crunch-Time Resilience Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

The Utah Jazz defeated the Boston Celtics, 118-117, on Saturday night at Vivint Arena in another game that had a playoff-type atmosphere. Jazz Nation is no stranger to dramatized games this season, and the team seems to shine bright with risk or reward on the line.

Risk is associated with each and every game, where a razor's edge could eliminate the Jazz from postseason activities. The reward comes when the execution in crunch time results in victory while keeping a possible playoff ticket on layaway.

The Jazz landed five players in double-digit scoring vs. Boston, all of whom were starters. Lauri Markkanen posted a double-double by scoring 28 points and snagging 10 rebounds, Talen Horton-Tucker scored 19 points and seven boards, with five assists, while Kelly Olynyk scored 13 points and 13 boards and dished out six assists.

All of the Jazz starters registered a + game rating, led by Olynyk's +18, which is a clear-cut indication of chemistry. Through makeshift line-ups, trades, waives, injuries, and illnesses, this current Jazz group is willing to compete each and every night without preferential treatment.

The eye test also reveals everyone playing their natural position and competing at a high level. Since the Rudy Gobert trade, I've written many times that Walker Kessler should have been a starter from day one.

Kessler's skill set and presence is unmatched by any other player on the Jazz roster, and he can anchor the defensive side of the ball. He also plays a key role in allowing his teammates to play their natural roles and can erase defensive mistakes as the opponents approach the rim.

This was evident when he blocked Grant Williams' last-second shot attempt to seal Saturday night's victory over the Celtics. I've had the opportunity to evaluate the upper-tier rookies, and Kessler certainly makes a case for being the outright Rookie of the Year.

Also notable is this Jazz group is willing to compete on both sides of the court. Utah is now 34-36 with a grip on the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference and is currently in the playoff picture.

All remaining games will be nail-biters as the season winds down, but the Jazz seem more than capable of hanging on and punching that ticket to the postseason.

Next up, the Jazz will face the Sacramento Kings on Monday night at Vivint Smart Arena.

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