SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz ended their four-game losing streak with a 121-106 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday, highlighted by Lauri Markkanen’s impressive 34-point performance. Collin Sexton played a crucial role, hitting four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and finished the game with 25 points. Additionally, John Collins contributed significantly, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Knicks saw a strong offensive showing from OG Anunoby, who recorded a season-high 27 points. Jalen Brunson also made a notable impact, scoring 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns managed to put up 16 points along with 16 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Knicks struggled offensively, shooting only 39% from the field, which resulted in their first loss in five games.
The Knicks attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, cutting the Jazz’s lead to eight points. However, Utah countered with a 10-point run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Johnny Juzang that pushed the score to 104-86 with just over six minutes left in the game. It is worth noting that New York’s Miles McBride did not participate due to a knee injury.
From this game, several key points emerged. The Knicks, despite being among the top offensive teams in the league, falter when their shooting struggles, as demonstrated by their low defensive metrics and slow adjustments on switches and rotations. In contrast, the Jazz welcomed back their regular starting center Walker Kessler, who made an impactful return with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. He proved to be a disruptive force in the paint, altering shots and forcing tough passes from the opposition.
Noteworthy moments included the Jazz’s strong finish to the second quarter, where, in the final minute, the Knicks missed three jump shots. Markkanen capitalized on the opportunity by hitting a three-pointer, followed by Kessler scoring on a fast-break layup and a floater from Keyonte George just before halftime, extending the Jazz’s lead to 66-51.
An important statistic from the game was the performance of Towns, who had been shooting 50% from beyond the arc this season but failed to score from three-point range against the Jazz, going 0 for 7, marking the first time he did not make a three-pointer in nine games.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will continue their five-game road trip as they face off against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, while the Jazz will host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday evening.