Jazz Guard Ochai Agbaji Sends Rockets Packing With Back-To-Back Blocks
Jan 20, 2024, 7:10 PM
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 05: Ochai Agbaji #30 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 05, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Jazz 126-97. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HOUSTON – Utah Jazz guard Ochai Agbaji looked more like a big man in the second quarter against the Houston Rockets as he skied for back-to-back blocks.
Agbaji has struggled with scoring in his sophomore campaign but continues to impact the game in other ways.
𝙩𝙬𝙤 @youngoch blocks for the price of one ☕️ pic.twitter.com/zSTfvBQJ56
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 21, 2024
Due to his defensive presence and hustle, Agbaji has remained in the Jazz’s rotation despite his shooting struggles.
His first block came on the fast break against rookie guard Amen Thompson.
Thompson got his own board and found Jabari Smith who rose up for the dunk. Agbaji met Smith at the rim and forced a second miss.
Young Bull, feelin’ it 😈 pic.twitter.com/Y5dsZlpak6
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 21, 2024
Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton led the way for Utah early on.
The guard duo scored 27 of Utah’s 51 first-half points.
Utah trailed Houston by 13 at the break, 64-51.
Jazz Face Rockets To Open Six Game Road Trip
The Utah Jazz will embark on a six-game road trip beginning with a matchup in Houston against the Rockets on Saturday.
After winning 15 of their last 20 games heading into the road trip, the Jazz will look to continue their climb up the Western Conference standings.
UPDATED WEST STANDINGS ‼️
– Timberwolves win their 4th in a row, improve to 17-2 at home
– Thunder stay in 2nd placeFor more, download the NBA App:
📲https://t.co/oRfhdB8ZfO pic.twitter.com/xwCezj536M— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2024
The Jazz own the ninth seed in the West, 1.5 games ahead of Houston in the standings.
Utah will face the New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and the New York Knicks before returning to SLC on February 1.
The Jazz are 6-4 in their last 10 road games.
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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.
