SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz nearly overcame a 23-point fourth-quarter deficit but came up short in a 114-108 loss to the Boston Celtics.
The Jazz outscored the Boston 39-24 in the final frame, tying the score at 103 with just over two minutes left to play, but were outscored 11-5 to close the game.
John Collins led the Jazz with 28 points while Sam Hauser had 33 to lead the Celtics.
Related: Jazz Piece Together Impressive Rally
Sensabaugh Catches Fire Against Celtics
The Jazz’s comeback wouldn’t have been possible without the late heroics of Brice Sensabaugh.
The sophomore guard had just five points through the first three quarters of the game but exploded for 17 in the fourth on 6-8 shooting including 4-5 from the three-point line.
After a nine-game stretch where he failed to reach double-digits, Sensabaugh has responded by scoring 10 or more in 11 of his last 12 outings.
The 21-year-old is averaging 14.1 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 46 percent from the floor and 45 percent from three.
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While Sensabaugh’s three-point shooting accounted for the majority of his points against the Celtics, his ability to create a physical mismatch over Derrick White, one of the league’s better perimeter defenders offered the most promising look at his potential.
At this point in the rebuild, the Jazz lack offensive players who can consistently create mismatches. Though Sensabaugh must improve his defense, learn to protect the ball better, and when to pick his spots, his size and scoring touch offer the team something they miss otherwise.
As the Jazz continue to explore which players on the roster may function as long-term pieces in the rebuild, Sensabugh has made a compelling case to return for a third season.
Jazz Pick Up Game On Hornets
With the regular season quickly winding down, it’s getting more difficult to create separation anywhere in the standings.
Just as the team’s maneuvering for playoff positioning find it difficult to climb the rankings, team’s near the bottom have a hard time solidifying their lottery odds.
However, the Jazz earned some breathing room on Monday with their loss, and the Charlotte Hornets upset victory on the road over the Miami Heat.
NBA lottery odds
NBA lottery odds (Tankathon)
Charlotte trailed by as many as 17 points in Miami but stormed back to beat the Heat by winning the fourth quarter 32-25.
Now with just 17 games left to play, the Jazz sit 1.5 games back of Charlotte in the standings for the second-worst record in the NBA.
Though the teams that finish second and third share the same odds of winning the lottery, it does limit how far a team can fall in the draft.
If the Jazz were to finish with the second-worst record in the NBA, they could fall no further than sixth in the draft.
If they finish third, they could drop as far as seventh.
The Jazz have by no means locked up the second-worst record in the league, but with just over one month left in the regular season, they’re closer to being overtaken by the last-place Washington Wizards than they are to catching the Hornets.
Next Utah Jazz Broadcast
The Jazz will travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday at 6 p.m. MST. The game will be televised on KJZZ, streamed on Jazz+, and heard on97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone . Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.