Bad defensive lineups cause yet another avoidable Utah Jazz loss
The Utah Jazz were back in the friendly confines of the Delta Center on Thursday night after a lengthy road trip that culminated in a loss to the New York Knicks. It appeared as though they had once again struck lucky, as the visiting Philadelphia 76ers were without their star center Joel Embiid due to injury.
After being designated an All-Star reserve earlier in the evening, Tyrese Maxey decided to take over for the Jazz, who had jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the game.
After the first quarter, Maxey led the Sixers to a 39-32 lead with 18 points, overpowering the Jazz guards with dribble penetration and 3-point shooting.
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He was not finished. Maxey added 14 more points in the second quarter, bringing his total to 32 by the half, and the visitors led 71-61 at the break.
With eight points from Collin Sexton and seven from John Collins in the third quarter, the Jazz came together to tie the game at 93 points apiece.
In a back-and-forth fourth quarter, Lauri Markkanen of the Jazz scored 14 points to keep the score close. At the three-minute mark, the score was knotted at 117. However, Collin Sexton made a three-pointer to put the Jazz ahead and force a timeout from Philadelphia.
Tyrese Maxey finally refused to give up tonight. With 1:40 left in the game, he made an absurd 33-foot shot from the parking lot to level the score at 120. Following multiple misses by the opposing teams, Patrick Beverley made a three-pointer with 40 seconds left to give the Sixers the lead again, 123-120.
After being fouled on the subsequent play, Collin Sexton made both of his free throws to bring the Jazz within one (123–122). The Jazz then successfully challenged and blocked a Sixers dunk attempt after being called for a foul. resulting in a jump ball that the Sixers were able to handle after Tobias Harris was fouled by the Jazz and scored both free throws.
Dan Clarkson was fouled during the Jazz’s subsequent possession and converted both to cut the deficit to one point with five seconds remaining. The next time out, Maxey was fouled four times by the Jazz before the final buzzer went off, and he hit both of the free throws to give the Sixers the victory, 127-124.
The Jazz should have won this match, but it was a difficult one to lose. However, Tyrese Maxey proved to be unstoppable tonight as he finished with 51 points.
With 28 points, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz, while Collin Sexton added 22 points and six assists. Jazz’s bench performed admirably, scoring 49 points in the process.
The Jazz, who are at 24-26 and still in play-in position at 10th in the West, dropped their third straight game. They have a few days off before playing the Milwaukee Bucks at the Delta Center on Saturday. The Bucks, who are currently 32-16 for the season, are coming off a defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers. Hopefully, they can reorganize and resume their course soon.
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