How Did The Utah Jazz Go From Bottom Feeders To Playoff Hopefuls?
Jan 17, 2024, 6:46 PM
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) smiles after a series of 3-pointers in an NBA game against the Indiana Pacers at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. The Jazz won 132-105. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – After starting 7-16, it looked like the Utah Jazz were in full rebuild mode after exceeding expectations in the 2022-23 season.
However, Utah rattled off 15 wins in 19 games to find themselves with a positive record in the postseason picture.
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The biggest reason for Utah’s recent hot streak is obvious.
Lauri Markkanen missed eight games from late November to early December and the Jazz went 3-5.
In the eight games after his return, Utah went 6-2.
Over the last 15 games, Markkanen has averaged 25 points and 9.2 rebounds on 51.1/41.4/90.6 shooting splits.
another great reason to vote Lauri for #NBAAllStar 🌟 https://t.co/Vvym3Db11f https://t.co/k5ssTCtK6e
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 16, 2024
But one All-Star level player isn’t enough to carry a whole team.
Collin Sexton has stepped up as debatably the second-best player on the roster, averaging 20.6 points and 4.9 assists over the last 15. Sexton has scored 20 or more points in 9 of his last 12 games as well.
On top of Markkanen’s steady play and Sexton’s emergence, Will Hardy figured out a rotation that benefits almost everyone involved.
Keyonte George, Jordan Clarkson, and Walker Kessler were moved to the bench and have thrived in their new roles.
goodnight, jazz fans 🖤 pic.twitter.com/c8u2rDVnaG
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 16, 2024
With 42 games under their belts, the Utah Jazz sit in the Western Conference’s 9-seed.
They are just 2.5 games from the 6-seeded New Orleans Pelicans and 3 games from falling back to 12th.
Utah looks onto Oklahoma City before going on a 6-game road trip starting in Houston.
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Chandler Holt is a co-host for the Jazz Notes podcast and a Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerHoltKSL or on Threads @chandlerho1t.
