Will Hardy Makes Statement As Jazz Drop First NBA Cup Game In Phoenix

PHOENIX — The Utah Jazz remain winless on the road after dropping the team’s first NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns, 118-96, on Friday.

Lauri Markkanen had 30 points for the fourth straight game, Keyonte George had 17 points and a near triple-double, but the biggest story from this game comes from head coach Will Hardy.

He quickly looked deep into the bench after players near the top of the rotation started slow. Three notable young Jazz players all finished with 10 or fewer minutes.

That said, the changes worked. Quarters two through four were much more competitive than the first, and Hardy would address playing time after the game.

off to Charlotte ✈️#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/x1SHK15WjR

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 1, 2025

Utah Jazz Drop First NBA Cup Game In Phoenix

The first quarter went about as poorly as it could have.

In addition to the 36.8/30/0 shooting splits and nine turnovers, the Jazz got outrebounded, outassisted, and had zero steals or blocks.

As a result, they went down by double-digits early and trailed 37-17 after the first quarter. It was a stark contrast to Utah’s first four games of the season. They came into the Halloween matchup leading the NBA in first-quarter points.

Maybe the worst quarter of the young season for the Utah Jazz.

They trail by 20 after the first quarter, with 9 turnovers, and are shooting 37%/30%.

— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) November 1, 2025

The second quarter was a massive step in the right direction.

With some clear lack of effort from players at the top of the rotation, Will Hardy looked to players like Cody Williams, Kyle Anderson, and Elijah Harkless. And it worked.

The Jazz won the second quarter by six points, allowing zero Phoenix field goals in the final four minutes of the half.

At the break, Markkanen led the way with 11 points. George and Jusuf Nurkic were tied for the Jazz’s second-leading scorer with seven apiece.

The Jazz didn’t allow any field goals in the final four minutes of the second quarter. That’s a good first step for a potential comeback. https://t.co/LhCc4iUo17

— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) November 1, 2025

The third quarter quality of play was similar to the second for the Jazz. However, the Suns shot an unconscious 65 percent from the floor and 57 percent from three.

As a result, Phoenix took the quarter 29-27 and kept Utah at a safe distance.

In the third, Markkanen shot 5/6 and added 13 to his tally. He went into the fourth quarter with 24 total.

catch & shoot three makes it 𝟯𝟯 for the King in the North 🫡🏰#TakeNote | @MarkkanenLauri pic.twitter.com/IXX6QXvBrD

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 1, 2025

Markkanen would pour in nine more points in the fourth quarter to surpass the 30-point mark for the fourth straight game.

Phoenix’s hot hand carried over into the final frame, as they added 35 to their total to ensure a 1-0 start in NBA Cup play.

For the first time this season, Utah was held under triple-digits as they fell 118-96 at Mortgage Matchup Center.

The Jazz drop their first 2025 NBA Cup game, 118-96.

Lauri Markkanen led the way with 33, making it four straight games with 30+.#TakeNote

pic.twitter.com/wFWg3hwScE

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 1, 2025

Time Is Earned, Not Given

After the poor first quarter, Hardy benched a handful of rotation players for their poor effort and energy.

Both Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh played five minutes, and Kyle Filipowski didn’t play at all in the first 20 minutes of the second half. As previously mentioned, Hardy looked to Williams, Harkless, Anderson, and other players deeper on the bench.

This strategy shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Hardy said this would be the case before the season started at media day.

“If we don’t set it up in a way where it’s a meritocracy, you’re going to have a team that’s split, and you have a group that knows they’re going to play no matter what they do.”

Although young players need to play through mistakes, there is no excuse for a lack of effort. And the consequence of that was seen in Phoenix.

Hardy spoke about what he saw early that led to the playing time adjustments.

“The game was decided in the first quarter. Our effort and intensity to start the game was pathetic. We didn’t have enough humility and hunger as a team.”

Familiar Problem Plagues Jazz In NBA Cup Debut

Last season, Utah was dead last in the NBA for turnovers. That problem was by no means fixed in the first four games, but it did look a lot better.

Game five was, without a doubt, the sloppiest of the season to this point regarding ball control and passing. The Jazz finished with 21 turnovers and 29 points allowed off those turnovers.

If it wasn’t for the poor decision-making early, Utah could’ve easily had a chance in this game. They closed a 24-point lead down to 10 as play cleaned up after halftime.

Utah has done a great job of bouncing back from runs and low moments this season. Let’s see if they have it in them here. https://t.co/7Cd08jDMlL

— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) November 1, 2025

More Game Five Quick Hits

• Jazz rookie Ace Bailey played 22 minutes, the most of any game this season. He had 9 points and 7 rebounds, but still struggled with his shot. Regardless, his return from illness seems to be nearing its end.
• Former No. 10 overall pick Cody Williams started the season out of the rotation, but has quickly shown that he is deserving of any minutes he can get. Although far from perfect, his defense was solid, and he finished with 8 points on 50 percent shooting.
• Keyonte George was the only player on the team with a positive +/-, and he was on triple-double watch by the end of the night. He finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

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Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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