Collin Sexton On Fire In Return From Hamstring Injury
Dec 22, 2022, 7:39 PM
Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the Denver Nuggets at Vivint Arena on October 19, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – With 11 points in his first six minutes, Jazz guard Collin Sexton doesn’t look like he’s missed the last seven games.
The Jazz (18-16) return home where they host the Washington Wizards (12-20) on Thursday, December 22.
Young Bull: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 🎥#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/tdul5v5gPO
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 23, 2022
After entering the game with 8:56 left in the first quarter, Sexton immediately went to work.
The diminuitive guard hit a pair of floaters sandwiched around a three from Lauri Markkanen.
Four minutes later with the Jazz trailing 22-14, Sexton hit a transition layup.
On the next possession, Sexton pulled up for a deep 27-footer to cut a seven point Washington lead to three, 22-19.
RELATED: Markkanen’s Career Night Helps Jazz Snap Losing Streak With Win Over Pistons
Utah leads the Wizards 30-27 after one quarter of play.
Sexton Set For Return, Olynyk Out
The Jazz provided an update on their injury report Wednesday night.
Guard Collin Sexton, after missing the previous seven games, is available. Center Kelly Olynyk remains out with an ankle sprain.
Updated injury report:
*AVAILABLE – Collin Sexton (right hamstring strain)
*AVAILABLE – Johnny Juzang (G League – Two-Way)
OUT – Kelly Olynyk (left ankle sprain)
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 23, 2022
Sexton has played 27 games for the Jazz this season, primarily as a sixth-man. The first-year Jazz guard is averaging 14.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and three assists per game with an effective field goal percentage of 53.9.
RELATED: Utah Jazz Guard Collin Sexton Suffers ‘Mild’ Hamstring Strain
Olynyk, also in his first season with the Jazz, missed the final two games of the road trip after injuring his ankle against Milwaukee. In his tenth NBA season, the Gonzaga product is averaging 12.9 points, five rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
Rookie Johnny Juzang will also be active as he recovers from a wrist injury.
Lauri Markkanen Making All-Star Case
Lauri Markkanen made another case for an All-Star spot as the Utah Jazz snapped their losing streak with a 126-111 win over the Detroit Pistons.
❄️💜 𝙄𝙏'𝙎 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀 💜❄️
Let's make The Finnisher an All Star 💫#TakeNote | #NBAAllStar
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2022
‘The Finnisher’, as he has become known to Jazz fans, tied his career high with 38 points to go with five rebounds in 36 minutes on the floor. He set a career-high with nine three-pointers on 13 attempts.
After spending four seasons in Chicago and a year in Cleveland, Markkanen may have found his NBA home with the Jazz.
RELATED: Lauri Markkanen Puts Defender On Skates, Finishes With Lefty Lay-In
Markkanen is averaging 22.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on 63.1 effective field goal percentage with the Jazz. Those numbers are a far cry from his 16.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game prior to this year.
Fans can make their NBA All-Star selections here or on the NBA App.
Watch Jazz vs. Washington Wizards
The Jazz game against the Washington Wizards is being broadcast on AT&T SportsNet. Fans can also watch the game at NBA League Pass or listen on KSL Sports Zone.
