The Utah Jazz lost a tight game against the Toronto Raptors at home with a final score of 126-118.
Utah, despite playing each of Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson against a fellow tanking team, were able to take one step closer to the worst record in the NBA. With this loss, the Jazz now sit only a game behind the 14-51 Washington Wizards for the best odds at projected first-round pick Cooper Flagg.
Tonight, the Jazz were led in scoring by Clarkson’s 19 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Utah’s rookies Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski continued their solid play, with Collier posting 16 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Filipowski chipped in 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists. Filipowski, who remains split between playing the four and five position, showed some great defensive versatility, picking up two steals and a block.
For the Toronto Raptors, both Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes scored 20 points a piece. A.J. Lawson scored 18 points, R.J. Barrett scored 17 points, and Orlando Robinson scored 14. The Raptors, who were once in the running for a top-three pick in this draft, no longer stand as much of a threat for Utah in the tank-race.
For Jazz fans, only 15 games remain this season. All of these losses will pay off in May, even if Utah doesn’t get the first pick in the draft. With how strong the top-four prospects are, Utah will come out with a promising player at the end of this.