If you told a Utah Jazz fan at the start of the season that they would even have a positive record, they'd probably call you insane. But as the Jazz advance to 8-3 in the season, is it possible that they may even be a playoff team?
The Utah Jazz bested LA 110-102 in their 11th game of the season, and are now second in the western conference. The Clippers were without Kawhi, and the Jazz were without defensive standout Jarred Vanderbilt, who's presence was really missed tonight. This start probably wouldn't even be possible without the Jazz coach Will Hardy, who made intelligent 4th quarter decisions that Quin Snyder never saw any glimpses during his tenure.
One of these examples is substituting Collin Sexton instead of Jordan Clarkson to close out the game, who scored a total 9 points (including a flashy and-one), which resulted in a Jazz victory. The Young Bull led the Jazz in free throws with 8, and showcased his improved driving ability to get in the paint and draw fouls. Sexton played 27 minutes tonight, and was a major factor that might have not have been able to be won without him. The Jazz were down 84-85 at the end of the 3rd quarter, and it looked as if the odds were against the Jazz, but it looks like we shouldn't underestimate them just yet. John Wall carried the offensive load for the Clippers heading into the 4th quarter, but you gotta give props to Collin Sexton for holding his head up high and getting the Jazz back in this one, getting my pick for the game MVP.
"I'm just thankful to be back and thankful to be out here... 11 games, I'm here. I made it." - Collin Sexton
As mentioned before, the Jazz were seriously missing Jarred Vanderbilt. Coach Will Hardy was forced to throw in Malik Beasley at small forward, which could not have gone any worse. Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. recorded 18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal on Beasley's head. The Jazz perform best with size, and they simply don't have that off the bench. You could count Rudy Gay, but he's nearing the end of his career at this point. All this was overshadowed by a spectacular performance by superstar Paul George, who scored 34 points on 8 rebounds and 4 assists, who makes this game as tight as it was in the first place.
The Jazz will take any win they can get right now, as it looks like they are legitimately serious at the moment about contending in the west. Heading back home to Vivint Arena tomorrow to fight the Lakers in their 2nd rematch of the season. Patrick Beverley was reported to be not traveling to Utah due to a non-COVID illness, as well as Bryant and Schroder who are out to UCL injuries. Bolmaro is out to H&S Protocols, and there has been no information given about Vanderbilt's return.
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