Lakers 135, Jazz 133: Three Hard Takeaways

LeBron James scored 37 points including the game-winner, with 27 seconds in overtime as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz, 135-133. Kelly Olynyk and Talen Horton-Tucker led Utah with 23 points in a losing cause.

It looked as though the Lakers were cruising to the victory as they held a 124-114 lead with only 1:43 to play. But it was Utah that scored the last 10 points in regulation to force the game into overtime.

In the final period, the game finally flipped when Olynyk knocked down a three-pointer to give the Jazz a three-point lead with 1:39 to play. However, it was James escaping Salt Lake City with a win, scoring on the Lakers' last two possessions, followed by Horton-Tucker missing a mid-range jumper with six seconds left.

What did we learn? Let’s break it down.

Players/Coaches Aren’t Tanking for Anybody

With all the tank talk heading into the game, along with Utah missing three starters, it’s no wonder Las Vegas had the Lakers pegged as a 10-point favorite. But at this point, it should be no surprise the players and coaches are all in on winning in the present, despite the roadblocks the front office continues to put in their way.

Head coach Will Hardy dished on his team's current mindset.

“The players are preparing to win every night," Hardy said. “We have had an attitude all season of making the most of your opportunity. You never know when those opportunities are going to come. The players continue to compete and pull for each other.”

Jazz No Longer Control Their Destiny

Winning their final three contests while the Oklahoma City Thunder losing their season finale against the Memphis Grizzlies could get the Jazz into the play-in tournament. The Dallas Mavericks would also need to lose two of their last three games.

It’s a long shot, but after witnessing Utah’s comeback on Tuesday night, anything is possible. If the front office wants to secure a lottery selection in the upcoming drafting, then shutting down Lauri Markkanen would be the right play.

Where it stands now, the Jazz hold the No. 9 slot in terms of lottery odds.

Collin Sexton Thrives in His Return

Sexton played for the first time since injuring his hamstring prior to the All-Star break. In just 16 minutes on the court, he scored 15 points on 7-for-14 shooting.

Horton-Tucker remained the starter, and backup point guard Kris Dunn was also able to log 25 minutes of action. The performance is more evidence that Sexton should be coming off the bench as a high-energy scorer that can keep the offense relevant when the starters are getting rest.

Next up is a home game against the Thunder on Thursday in which the Jazz will have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Tip-off is at 7:00 pm MDT.

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