Jordan Clarkson Scores First 11 For Jazz In Hot Start Vs Clippers
Feb 8, 2025, 9:15 PM | Updated: 9:17 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 04: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz controls the ball against the New Zealand Breakers on October 04, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES- After suffering a heartbreaking loss in overtime to the Phoenix Suns last night, Jordan Clarkson and the Utah Jazz are in the City of Angeles to wrap up the back-to-back, taking on James Harden and the Clippers.
Despite playing their second game in as many days, the Jazz got out to a hot start, stunning the Clippers with a 14-5 run to open, forcing Los Angeles to call a timeout less than three minutes into the game.
The early blitz was powered by one man, Jordan Clarkson, who scored the Jazz’s first 11 points, including a 3-3 start from beyond the arc.
Jordan Clarkson made three-pointers on three consecutive possessions before some fans even got the chance to get to their seats. Just one minute and 24 seconds into the contest, the Jazz led 9-2.
Clarkson finished the first quarter with 14 points, his most in a first quarter since November 14, 2023, against the Trail Blazers.
first item on the agenda 📋
– light the flame 🔥 https://t.co/45vCNomw8z pic.twitter.com/fsG6528HkY
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 9, 2025
Utah as a team shot extremely well from three-point range in the first quarter, hitting eight of their 18 attempts. However, the offense cooled off as the quarter came to an end and the Clippers fought back, closing the first on a 15-7 run.
At the end of the first quarter, The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers 30-29.
and a tough of magic 🪄 pic.twitter.com/cU3Q9mJwn6
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 9, 2025
Jazz Identity Taking Shape With Collier, Kessler
The Jazz have been searching for cornerstone pieces that will help the team climb out of their rebuild, and they have found two in Collier and Kessler.
Collier recorded his third straight double-double with points and assists, becoming the first rookie in Jazz history to accomplish the streak.
The guard set a franchise record with 10 first-half assists but relied on his scoring prowess late to help the Jazz erase the Suns’ double-digit lead.
BIG BUCKET ROOK ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/aTwMCyX6TA
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 8, 2025
Over the final six minutes of regulation and overtime, Collier scored nine points on 4-6 shooting, including what looked like the go-ahead fade-away jump shot with four seconds left to play.
“My confidence is at an all-time high right now, especially playing along some of the best players in the world,” Collier said.
Kessler was also dominant late, recording seven points and eight rebounds over the final 11 minutes of the game while anchoring the Jazz’s defense.
𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿-𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝟮𝟮 𝗿𝗲𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 for Walker tonight 🤠#PerformanceLeader presented by @uofuhealth pic.twitter.com/TeWeleNkPK
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 8, 2025
The center’s 22 rebounds were a career-high, all while adding four assists and three blocks.
Both players still have significant room to grow before being enshrined as the next faces of the franchise, but their recent play is building a strong argument.
