The Utah Jazz have held onto their unbeaten record in the preseason, beating the Dallas Mavericks on the road with a final score of 107-102
The game’s biggest story remains Keyonte George’s health. George left the game in the beginning of the third quarter after slipping while bringing the ball up the court. This came after he made a step-back shot on the sideline and stepped into a spilled beverage. Unable to leave the game under his own weight, the Jazz ruled him out with a mild left knee sprain.
Non-contact injuries are always concerning, but the initial ruling seems like a good sign that George dodged anything major. While we wait for more information, it’s likely safe to assume that George will remain out for the rest of the preseason.
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As it pertains to the rest of the game, the Jazz were led in scoring by Lauri Markkanen, who posted 26 points and seven rebounds. Walker Kessler, who had struggled to make much of an impact in the first two preseason games, dominated the paint with 15 rebounds and two blocks.
For Kessler, finding offense through rebounding will be key this season. He nabbed five offensive boards, a couple of which led to easy opportunities for put-backs. Although his struggles as a space-creating screener continue, it’s encouraging to see him use his physicality to make a presence in the game. Tonight, he did that on both ends.
Off the bench, Isaiah Collier and John Collins played impressively. Collier, who clearly comes in as the best passer and floor general on the team, has impressive composure and court vision this early in his career. While his 7 assists are a positive sign, what’s more impressive is his ability to get the Jazz into their offensive action early, something Utah’s other guards struggle with consistently. His ability to score at this level remains a question, but if George misses time early in the season due to injury, Collier will have ample opportunity to show more offensive versatility.
Collins continues to play well in an off-the-bench role, posting a stat line of 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Although Collins stated his desire to start during media day, he’s provided a great spark off the bench through all three preseason games. Collins remains best suited as a small-ball five in the NBA and his ability to stretch the floor (albeit, he shot 0-4 from three tonight) allows the Jazz to run a more up-tempo offense while he’s in the game.
The Jazz will continue preseason play on Saturday, facing off against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs at 6 p.m. MT.
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