Jazz Lose to Pacers, 134-118: Winners & Losers

The Utah Jazz were defeated 134-118 by the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis on Thursday night. The Jazz were highly competitive but could not sustain the required pace to succeed.

Utah was led in scoring by Jordan Clarkson, who shook off some of his recent rust by tossing in 33 points, dishing five assists, and grabbing three rebounds but recorded six turnovers. Lauri Markkanen assisted by scoring 24 points on 50% shooting from the field, and John Collins scored 14 points on 66.7% shooting. Although this game was a high-scoring affair, the Jazz were competitive on the defensive end of the floor.

The Pacers scored in waves throughout the contest and were led in scoring by Aaron Nesmith, who tallied 24 points off the Pacer bench. Six Pacers hit double-digit scoring, and their team depth was fully displayed. This team does not lack floor speed and tempo.

Now, let's discuss the winners and losers of tonight's contest.

Winner-Keyonte George

The birthday kid turned 20 today and made his first NBA start against the Pacers. The Jazz are certainly cashing in on this 16th overall draft pick as he scored seven points, dropped nine assists, and committed only one turn-over over 31 minutes of game-time action.

Mr. George is poised to have a stellar career, and tonight was a small glimpse of what may surface.

Winner-Simone Fontecchio

Fontecchio played nearly 19 minutes and tallied 10 points and five rebounds. He connected on 4-for-8 from the field, drained two three-point shots, and even recorded a blocked shot. What makes "Italian Jordan" a winner tonight is he was prepared when called on for duty.

He is not a player in coach Hardy's rotation, but he showed tonight that he remains ready to contribute, which is not easy.

Loser-Omer Yurtseven

Yurtseven was a healthy scratch on a night when Walker Kessler was not in uniform. In a frantic-paced contest, players will wear down and require additional rest during the game. Not having your number called tonight is not a positive signal from the Jazz Coaching Staff. Maybe Yurtseven can have a meeting with the team coaches.

Losing will never be a welcoming format, but the silver lining for the Jazz was the competitive spirit passing the eye test. The Jazz may have released a young stud in Keyonte George, who could run the show for many years.

The Jazz will next face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at 6:00 p.m.

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