Utah Jazz wrap up preseason in Phoenix, look forward to opening night
Oct 16, 2026, 10:43 PM
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 16: Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns passes the ball against Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of the preseason NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 16, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX — The Utah Jazz closed up preseason shop on Friday with a 119-116 win over the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
Six Jazz players scored in double figures, with Lauri Markkanen leading the charge with 19 points.
that’s a wrap on the preseason ✅#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/LUeQHkyQzR
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 17, 2026
Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. were the early drivers for Utah against the Suns, combining for 30 of the Jazz’s 59 first-half points. Jackson would finish with 17 points on 6-for-10 shooting, and added two steals and two blocks.
Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson each contributed 13 points. Peterson added six rebounds and six assists to his scoring total.
Brice Sensabaugh and Ace Bailey were the two biggest contributors off the bench, adding 16 and 12 points, respectively. Sensabaugh shot 5-for-9 from the floor and 4-for-7 from three. Bailey went a perfect 3-for-3 on his field goals and 5-for-6 from the free throw line.
Also of note, Kyle Filipowski made his preseason debut after undergoing back surgery in the offseason. He checked in for eight minutes in the fourth quarter and finished with six points, seven rebounds, and a steal.
Will Hardy Speaks On Development, Previews Season
Before the final preseason game, head coach Will Hardy spoke with the media about the development of the young players, NBA physicality, and the long road ahead.
Hardy started with young player development and how he views the dynamic between George and Peterson.
“They know they need each other. I think that we’ve had a lot of very honest conversations early in camp. It’s not about one person. There’s always going to be stories and conversations about who’s the point guard – none of them is my answer. I think it’s going to be situational in terms of who brings the ball up. So that’s matchup dependency and that is what we are trying to execute offensively. They’re all capable, but I want them to continue to believe that they need each other.
That transitioned into what lies ahead for the team.
82 games, it’s a long road. Each night is going to present a different set of challenges. We have to try and take those things as they come at us.
Game one of 82 will be on Wednesday, October 21, as the Utah Jazz take on the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum.
