Jazz Fall To Thunder In First Game After All-Star Break
Feb 21, 2025, 10:45 PM | Updated: Feb 23, 2025, 3:30 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 130-107 in their first game since returning from the All-Star break.
John Collins scored 26 points while Keyonte George added 20 off the bench.
The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 21 points.
Game Blog: Thunder Roll In Utah To Open Playoff Push
Lauri Markkanen Scores Season-Low Five Points
Lauri Markkanen is having his worst season as a member of the Jazz, averaging three-year lows in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and free-throw percentage.
The former All-Star had his worst game of the year against the Thunder scoring a season-low five points on 2-14 shooting including 1-7 from three.
Markkanen added just four points and one assist, while recording a team-worst -20 plus-minus.
just Finnishing what he started 😏#TakeNote | @MarkkanenLauri pic.twitter.com/bjffLyXhMr
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 22, 2025
The Finnish big man is adjusting to his role as a leading man in the NBA, but now more than 150 games into his tenure in Utah, Markkanen has not fully evolved into a consistent go-to option.
Early in his career with the Jazz, the forward showed promising signs of development as an isolation scorer, but as opposing teams moved him to the top of their scouting report, he’s been unable to replicate his previous success.
Markkanen remains a terrific offensive player, as he showed eclipsing the 20 point mark in three of his four final contests before the All-Star break. But Saturday’s performance was a reminder that his future in Utah may be as a secondary option on the next Jazz playoff team.
Jaden Springer, KJ Martin Add Value To Rotation
Newcomers Jaden Springer and KJ Martin both had bright moments for the Jazz in their debuts with the team against the Thunder.
Springer was signed to a 10-day contract on Friday while Martin was acquired at the trade deadline.
everyone say hey Jaden 👋👋👋 pic.twitter.com/ESOW06GDRQ
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 22, 2025
Springer was one of Will Hardy’s first substitutions off the bench earning minutes in the first and third quarters. The guard recorded seven points, two assists, and a rebound, while also flashing the defensive versatility that helped him land a tryout with the team.
“I can definitely do that,” Springer said of his defense. “I’ve probably done that pretty much my whole career, so being able to bring that to the team, if that’s what they need, I’ll definitely get that done.”
Martin recorded 16 minutes off the bench while scoring two points and adding a block and a steal.
New @utahjazz acquisition KJ Martin denies 🛑 Chet Holmgren at the rim 💪https://t.co/MSrd3aMvU6
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 22, 2025
Though the wing had the quieter night of the Jazz’s newcomers, he made his presence known with an impressive block against the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren.
The Jazz have solid depth in both the frontcourt and the backcourt, but lack big, athletic bodies on the perimeter.
While both Springer and Martin are low-cost investments on short-term contracts, they can be useful additions to this Jazz roster. With strong play in the coming days, they could earn long-term opportunities in Utah.
Next Broadcast
The Jazz will host the Houston Rockets on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. MST. The game will be televised on KJZZ, streamed on Jazz+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.
Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports.
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.
