Young Jazz Roster Shows Flashes In Road Win Over Detroit Pistons

Dec 19, 2024, 9:46 PM | Updated: Dec 20, 2024, 9:27 am

KSL Sports

DETROIT – The good always comes with the bad but there’s no denying the positives that could be seen in the Jazz win over the Pistons on Thursday.

After fighting off a late comeback, Utah ended its losing streak with a 126-119 in Detroit.

that looks reeeeeaaaalllly good #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/b35kfCsH9K

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2024

Three Takeaways: Jazz Hold Off Pistons

Team Full Of Shooters

As popularized by the Golden State Warriors in 2015 and reaffirmed by the Boston Celtics in 2024, you need shooters to win in the modern NBA. A lot of them.

Through the first quarter of the 2024-25 season, most of the Jazz roster has shown that they are or can be good shooters. That sentiment was reflected in Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

Utah shot 50 percent from deep as a team. Top performers in that category included Collin Sexton (5/7) and Keyonte George (7/13).

Other players who didn’t have the best shooting night are still seen as quality shot makers such as Lauri Markkanen, Johnny Juzang, and Brice Sensabaugh.

The Jazz have shot over 40 percent from three as a team seven times this season.

The fellas brought the energy (including 20 team threes & 23 team assists) tonight 🔋

Let’s watch that one again 📹#TakeNote presented by @LVT_USA pic.twitter.com/akCpSt1Q4x

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2024

Fighting Through Controversy

After jumping out to a near 30-point lead in the first quarter, the Pistons went on to win each of the final three quarters.

This included winning the second quarter by 16. Late in the fourth, Detroit closed the lead all the way down to five.

There were also a handful of scuffles, altercations, and chippy moments. Something that has been burned into the identity of Detroit Basketball for decades at this point.

For a Jazz team that boasts the sixth-youngest roster in the association, having mental toughness and the ability to fight through controversy is huge.

Today, its holding on to a regular season lead. Tomorrow, it could be closing out a series with three wins under your belt.

tonight’s key thoughts 🔑💭#TakeNote | @keyonte1george pic.twitter.com/qLlBKY9T26

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2024

Struggling Players Break Through

Markkanen and George have both had their fair share of struggles so far in the young season.

Against the Pistons, both players but that in the rearview mirror.

Markkanen finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds. George had 28 points and three assists on good efficiency.

What George’s long-term role both with the Jazz and just in the NBA in general has yet to be seen. However, just like Markkanen, its no secret that he is a huge part of Utah’s offense.

It’s important for players like that to build confidence whenever they can. Both Markkanen and George were able to do that on Thursday night.