Jazz Burst Out Of Gates To Grab Early Lead Over Golden State

SAN FRANCISCO, California – Everything was going right for the Utah Jazz in the opening four minutes, with Golden State falling behind 17-7 early.

The Jazz (10-34) traveled west for a matchup with Golden State (22-23) at Chase Center on Tuesday, January 28.

get big Zay!!! 😈😈😈 pic.twitter.com/uIn7BlauJs

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 29, 2025

Starting in place of John Collins, Micah Potter knocked down two early threes. Moments later, Isaiah Collier wrestled a rebound away before dropping a beautiful bounce pass to Drew Eubanks for a dunk.

After a bucket from Warriors rookie Trace Jackson-Davis, Collin Sexton assisted on back-to-back dunks and forced Steve Kerr to call a timeout.

The @utahjazz have jumped out to a quick 17-7 lead over the @warriors behind Micah Potter's 8 first quarter points.

Jazz are shooting 7-9 from the floor. #takenote pic.twitter.com/9v1yliU4Dc

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 29, 2025

The Jazz made seven of their first nine shots, including 2-of-3 from deep.

Youthful Jazz growing, losing in the process

Barreling headlong into a rebuild, the Jazz are last in the West. Only the lowly Washington Wizards (6-39) are worse. Beyond Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and John Collins/Jordan Clarkson (when healthy) forces Will Hardy to rely on one of the youngest rotations in the league. Losers of six in a row and nine of their past ten, Utah is in an excellent position for lottery luck in May.

DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 02: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz drives to the hoop against the Denver Nuggets in the second half at Ball Arena on November 2, 2024, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Second-year guard Keyonte George was recently relegated to a bench role, with Hardy looking for more defensive intensity, individually and with the team. George’s demotion opened the door for rookie point guard prospect Isaiah Collier. Collier has been steady in a more prominent role, but experience isn’t there for either guard.

Third-year center Walker Kessler has taken an enormous step on both ends, proving himself worthy of a starting center job in the NBA. Second-year forward Brice Sensabaugh shows flashes of being a potential high-scoring sixth-man, earning additional minutes at the very least. Rookies Kyle Filipowski and Cody Williams continue developing, but both are likely years away from being regular contributors, if ever.

All factors combined make late-game, clutch situations a constant learning experience for Hardy’s team.

Struggling Warriors Facing trade-deadline turmoil

Golden State is a far cry from the championship heyday’s of Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Though the all-star duo is doing their best to stay relevant, the Warrior’s supporting cast has been inconsistent, at best, this season.

The four-time champs sit 11th in the West, 1.5 games behind Sacramento for the final play-in spot. Rumors surround the once-stable franchise as a ‘two-timeline’ theory designed to rebuild around an aging core with young, explosive talent.

2021 lottery picks Jonathan Kuminga (seventh overall) and Moses Moody (14th overall) have failed to take the next step, leaving the offense lacking behind Curry. Kuminga (16.8 points, five rebounds) and Moody (8.5 points, two rebounds) have been the focus of trade rumors, but looming extensions have scared off many suitors.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OCTOBER 25: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr in action during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 25, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Golden State has battled to remain on the playoff periphery, falling middle of the pack on both ends. The Warriors’ 112.2 offensive rating (18th) and 112.4 (11th) defensive rating rank them 15th in the league.

Injuries will keep Green and Kuminga out tonight, leaving a team centered around whatever it can get from Steph Curry.

The ten-time All-NBA performer averages 22.3 points and 6.4 assists, shooting 44 percent from the field and 40.3 percent from deep.

Jazz-Warriors Gameday Reading

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• Why Did Jazz Trade Three First Round Picks For One Suns Pick?

• Utah Jazz Mailbag: What Will Happen At Trade Deadline?

• Intriguing Utah Jazz Mock Draft Includes BYU Standout

• Utah Jazz Mailbag: What Does Future Backcourt Look Like?

• Jazz Notes: Is Utah In A Good Position For A Top Pick?

Follow the Utah Jazz with KSL Sports

Tonight’s game against the Warriors is being televised on KJZZ, streamed on SEG+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.

Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky. 

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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball coverage here.

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