The Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz needed two extra periods to decide, with both teams fighting tooth and nail. The Suns vs. Jazz went down the wire until the final play, which required a challenge to determine the outcome.
Ultimately, the Suns came out victorious, 140-137, on Sunday, November 19, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Lauri Markkanen had a chance to tie the game in the second overtime when he hoisted a three-pointer with time running out. A foul was called on Kevin Durant, something the Suns challenged. It took a while, but the challenge was successful, handing Phoenix its 7th win of the season per AZ Central.
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Although it was a heartbreaking loss for the Jazz, it showed they can keep in step with powerhouse teams. Aside from Markkanen, other players who played key roles included John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, and Collin Sexton.
Here are some reasons why Jazz fans should be upbeat about the team despite the loss to the Suns.
John Collins fits in
When he was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks last July, there were big expectations for Collins. Most expected the 6-foot-9 big man to struggle in his first few games. However, the 19th overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft is getting into the groove.
After seeing his career dip in the last three seasons, Collins appears well on his way to rediscovering his old form. Before the loss to the Suns, he was already averaging 14.9 points and 8.7 rebounds. His performance against Phoenix, 14 points and 12 boards, is roughly near that mark.
Moving forward, things can only improve for the former Wake Forest Demon Deacons, a good development for the Jazz, per SI.com.
Lauri Markkanen continues to shine
Markkanen continues to be at the forefront of the Jazz even if his efforts have not precisely translated to wins. Aside from taking the crucial last shot, there is no question that the Finnish forward has been the consistent figure for head coach Will Hardy.
His performance against the Suns was noticeable. He finished with a game-high 38 points and 17 rebounds, per Bleacher Report. The double-double performance was more than what he is averaging in the Jazz's first 12 games, and things can only get better as the Jazz go along.
Jordan Clarkson expanding his role
Jordan Clarkson started the season slow but managed to get his act together. He has scored above 30 points in three of the last five games but settled for only 22 markers in the loss to the Phoenix.
Clarkson showed some semblance of his offense against the Suns, doing what was necessary to help his team. But with his teammates doing well carrying the offensive load, the need for him to do heavy scoring was not necessary.
However, Hardy did give him permission to do so and be the Jordan Clarkson of old.
"For him, it's about other ways he can help our team more than just scoring, and I think he's bought into that for us. ... It speaks to his growth and his buy-in on how we've asked him to play," Hardy said via NBA.com.
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