SALT LAKE CITY — In an impressive comeback, Keyonte George led the Utah Jazz to a 124-115 triumph over the Houston Rockets on Saturday evening, scoring an impressive 30 points. Lauri Markkanen contributed significantly as well, recording 23 points along with 10 rebounds, assisting the Jazz in ending a two-game losing streak.
Walker Kessler had a notable performance with 11 points and an outstanding 17 rebounds, while Isaiah Collier chipped in with 12 points and 10 assists, showcasing the collective effort from the Jazz side.
On the Rockets’ side, Alperen Sengun was a standout player, finishing the game with a total of 27 points and 12 rebounds. Jalen Green also delivered a solid performance, scoring 25 points and dishing out 10 assists, while Amen Thompson contributed with 23 points.
The Rockets surged ahead at one point, thanks to consecutive three-pointers from Aaron Holiday and Thompson, making the score 96-89 in their favor. However, the Jazz mounted a comeback with an impressive 21-5 run that put them ahead decisively. Three quick baskets stretched their lead, with Cody Williams closing this sequence with a layup, pushing the score to 110-101 with just under six minutes remaining.
The Rockets initially demonstrated strong play, initiating a 13-2 run led by key baskets from Sengun and Dillion Brooks, which pulled them into a 45-40 advantage midway through the second quarter. Utah remained persistent, managing to stay close and finally reclaimed the lead during the third quarter when Markkanen spearheaded a 13-5 run punctuated by Kessler’s alley-oop dunk, which shifted the lead to 77-76.
As the fourth quarter began, the Jazz faced a seven-point deficit but turned the game around by scoring consecutively on six possessions, reclaiming the lead with a pull-up three-pointer from George.
A crucial statistic from the game highlights that the Jazz dominated the paint, outscoring the Rockets 66-36. Additionally, the Rockets had been efficient with the ball, committing only four turnovers in the first three quarters, though they faltered late with three turnovers in the final frame.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will prepare to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, while the Jazz are set to welcome the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
