Jazz 118, Spurs 102: Three Key Takeaways

Lauri Markkanen led all scorers with 27 points, while backup point guard Kris Dunn added 15 and dished out eight assists as the Utah Jazz defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 118-102. Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 22 points in a losing effort.

It was a tale of two halves, with Utah getting off to a sluggish start playing a team that was missing multiple players and in the midst of a 15-game losing streak. The Spurs jumped out to a 14-point first-quarter lead with the help of some cold shooting and lethargic defense from Utah.

The second half was a different story, though. Utah outscored the Spurs by 26 points in the final two quarters, led by Markkanen and a bench that produced three players in double figures to cruise to a 16-point victory.

What did we learn? Let’s take a look at the key takeaways.

Dunn is Making a Difference

When the Jazz signed the veteran point guard to a 10-day contract, it felt like news that belonged on the back page. But since his arrival, Dunn has averaged 13 ppg on 52.2% shooting from the field.

Dunn should be a permanent fixture in the rotation moving forward. I’m not sure the Jazz win their last two contests without his presence. Dunn spoke on his recent success after the game.

“I gotta give credit to the coaching staff and my teammates," Dunn said. “They allow me to be comfortable out here. They’re helping me each and every day so I got to give credit to them.”

Ochai Agbaji Spike in Minutes Paying Off

Agbaji’s game is starting to take noticeable strides since the trade that saw Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, and Nickeil Walker-Alexander leave Salt Lake City. The 2022 first-round lottery pick has scored double figures in three straight contests while knocking down 2.6 three-pointers per game.

The Jazz are going to need Agbaji down the stretch with the current state that their bench is in. It’s also worth noting Agbaji is averaging 26 minutes a contest since the Jazz reshuffled their roster.

Can Utah Get in the Lottery via the Timberwolves?

Utah’s best chance to get into the lottery may be through the Minnesota Timberwolves. Currently, the Timberwolves are in the play-in game, but I expect some losses to pile up, considering what they're faced with the rest of the way.

19 out of Minnesota's final 20 games are against teams competing for a playoff spot, with 13 of those games on the road. This includes a four-game stretch starting on Sunday where they’ll play the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, and Kings all away from home.

It’s a development Jazz fans should be keeping an eye on.

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