The Utah Jazz were extremely successful tanking lost to the Brooklyn Nets 109-99. It was a battle of wills between two teams very interested in adding lottery talent to their teams. The Nets won but it was very much not he outcome they probably wanted. Don’t forget, the Jazz and Nets both had bad lottery luck last year, but the Jazz, because of better positioning, held their spot and came away with the 5th pick.
To start this one, both teams made sure it was their youth, and only youth, as the focus.
Utah made sure that they were without Lauri Markkanen, Jusuf Nurkic, and Kevin Love.
The Nets countered with their own list of players missing.
The Nets had a fantastic performance from former BYU guard, Egor Demin. Demin was 8/16 from the field and 6/12 from three for 25 points with 10 rebounds and 4 assists. He was vital in the win for Brooklyn and looks like a legit piece for them going forward. The Nets also had a great second quarter from Cam Thomas, who ended the game with 21 points. Thomas scores the ball and not much else, but sometimes that’s what you need most. His scoring was the real difference for the Nets tonight.
For Utah, they had some bright spots in this one, on top of inching closer to the top of the lottery standings.
Keyonte George was his usual self this game. He was an electric 9/11 from the field for 27 points with 7 assists. He was the best player on the floor when he played and continues to have a breakout year. He ended the game with a turned ankle and it will be interesting to see if he plays on the upcoming road trip for the Jazz.
Ace Bailey had just 12 points but showed some great flashes. This dunk driving to the basket showed just how much potential he has. What happens when he figures out that handle?
We finally got some signs of life from Taylor Hendricks. Hendricks has had a pretty terrible couple weeks but tonight showed some signs of life. He had some nice plays around the basket including two and-ones. Maybe this is a chance for him to turn things around.
Finally, we need to be excited about Cody Williams. He might not be a star, but he is looking more and more like a solid rotation player who contributes to winning. He will only get better, and he has a chance to be an important rotation player for years to come. The development of Williams is probably the second biggest story this season after the rise of Keyonte George.
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