Jazz 122, Pacers 116: Four Key Takeaways

Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson scored 29 points, while Collin Sexton chipped in 18 as the Utah Jazz outlasted the Indiana Pacers, 123-117. Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton led all scorers with 30 points in a losing cause.

The new-look starting lineup for the Jazz gets its second win in three tries on their current four-game road trip. Utah took advantage of a Pacers team missing starting center Myles Turner by outrebounding its opponent 46-32.

However, despite being down double digits in the fourth quarter, the Pacers were still able to close the gap to two points with 1:13 left to play, but Clarkson and Markannen combined for eight points in the last 53 seconds to hold the pesky Pacers off for the win.

What did we learn in Utah’s road win? Let’s break it down.

New Starting Lineup Producing

Inserting Sexton at the point guard position and Walker Kessler getting a bump in minutes has produced positive results in a small sample size. Sexton is averaging 19.2 ppg and 5.5 assists since the trade, while Kessler continues to be an elite rim protector and a presence in the paint.

This starting five is a more formidable crew than what the Jazz began the season with.

Jazz Playing With More Purpose Since the Trade

One has to assume that Utah’s struggles pre-trade deadline were tied to the rumors circulating around the roster. Since the trade, the Jazz have played with more purpose and energy on the court.

Whether it can be sustained remains to be seen, but it appears this group is back on track while producing a clearer picture of what their future beholds.

Tank the Season on Hold

Just when you think the Jazz are playing for draft position, they prove you wrong. After the departure of Mike Conley, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley, it felt like a forgone conclusion that Utah was headed for a top-eight pick.

However, the Jazz currently are in the play-in game with only 23 games left in the season. There aren't enough games left to tank the year to a top-five pick the way Utah is performing on the court.

Post All-Star Break Schedule

Utah has a friendly schedule coming out of the All-Star break, with seven out its first eight games against teams with a losing record. It’s a stretch that can put Utah right in the middle of the playoff conversation if they can get on a roll.

Playing the San Antonio Spurs twice, followed by games against the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic could put the Jazz north of a .500 record heading into the home stretch.

Next up is Utah’s last game before the All-Star break versus the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Jazz news videos and live-stream podcasts!