Behind a career-high from Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz sneak out of the Delta Center with their first overtime win of the season. Here are the grades from tonight.
(Note on Grading Scale)
All performances are relative. We won’t expect the same from Jusuf Nurkic as we do Lauri Markkanan. That said, if someone plays well, they get a good grade. If they play poorly, they get a bad grade. Don’t take it too seriously, it’s just for fun!
Lauri Markkanen – A+
Markkanen notched Utah’s first 50-point game in over 10,000 days. He finished with 51 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists – marking his second 30+ point game in as many nights. This is the All-Star level play we hoped Markkanen would return to this season.
Keyonte George – A
George’s growth as a playmaker this season has been astounding. He finished the night with 10 assists, but more importantly, played in command, under control, and led an efficient offense. His 26 points–including a few clutch baskets–were a great addition as well.
Walker Kessler – A
After struggling in Sacramento, Kessler responded with force tonight. He finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Giving up offensive rebounds late in games remains a problem, but his clutch block on Royce O’Neale makes up for it.
Taylor Hendricks – C-
Hendricks struggled to make himself visible tonight. He grabbed six rebounds, but missed every shot. Hendricks’ skillset lends himself better to a starting role and I hope the Jazz give him a shot there soon.
Brice Sensabaugh – D+
Sensabaugh’s +/- of minus-25 was the worst of any Jazz player tonight. When his shot isn’t falling, Sensabaugh’s defensive struggles become much more visible. Tonight, he was back cut, asleep on screens, and slow to close out. His 11 minutes are a reflection of Hardy’s thoughts on his effort at that end of the floor.
Ace Bailey – C+
Bailey’s biggest pre-draft concern was his shot selection. After hitting his first two triples of the night, Bailey forced a number of difficult looks. Some nights, Bailey will hit those and look like a superstar. But few players in the NBA make it that way. For now, his road to success will start with finding better looks.
Kyle Filipowski – C-
Like Sensabaugh, Filipowski struggled on the defensive end. He was picked on by the larger and more athletic Mark Williams and Nick Richards. When his shot isn’t falling, he simply must provide more resistance on defense.
Walter Clayton Jr. – B
Clayton Jr. finished fouled out with six points and two turnovers, but still finished the night on the floor. Why? He was active on defense, moved the ball, and didn’t take bad shots.
Jusuf Nurkic – B
Despite some unnecessary turnovers, Nurkic remains a wonderful option at the backup center. He finished the night with seven points and 13 rebounds.
Svi Mykhailuk – B
Mykhailuk deserves credit where credit is due. He scored 11 points and grabbed four steals. He plays with great energy, despite many fans complaining about him holding the starting role.