Talen Horton-Tucker Forces Steal, Rises For Slam Against Thunder

Feb 23, 2023, 7:31 PM | Updated: Feb 24, 2023, 10:02 am

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY – First-year Utah Jazz guard Talen Horton-Tucker is proving he’s more than capable with a steal and first-quarter dunk against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Jazz (29-31, 11th in West) returned from the All-Star break to host the Oklahoma City Thunder (28-29, 10th in West) on Thursday, February 23.

he's a talented guy#TakeNote | @Thortontucker pic.twitter.com/Ne6sAk4zk4

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 24, 2023

After forcing the turnover, THT sprinted behind the defense. Kelly Olynyk picked up the loose ball and found Horton-Tucker near half-court on the fast break. Horton-Tucker needed just one dribble before rising and throwing down the one-handed hammer.

In his third NBA season and first with the Jazz, Horton-Tucker is averaging 7.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game this season. He has career averages of 8.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.

Utah got of to a fast start before coming back to earth a bit. The Jazz lead Oklahoma City 17-13 with just over four minutes left in the first quarter.

Sexton Out With Hamstring Injury

On Wednesday, the Jazz announced that Collin Sexton had a left hamstring injury and would miss Thursday’s contest against the Thunder

Sexton is due to have the injury re-examined on Monday which will also keep him out of Saturday’s game at home against the San Antonio Spurs.

The speedy guard suffered the injury in the first quarter of the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Wednesday, their final game before the All-Star break.

During the break, the Jazz added additional guard depth to fill out the roster by signing veterans Frank Jackson and Kris Dunn to 10-day contracts.

Thunder Closed First Half Of Season Well

The Thunder come into Utah having played their best basketball of the season over their last 21 games.

Oklahoma City has won 13 of their last 21 outings to climb into the 10th spot in the West, and are likely to compete for a spot in the Western Conference Play-In tournament.

kickin’ off a 3-game home stand 💜🏡

⏰ 7:00PM MT
📺 @attsportsnet
📻 @kslsportszone
📍 @vivintarena
🎟️ https://t.co/qDxSA3jJ3A #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/9IHlVJ5OKL

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 23, 2023

Thursday marks the first meeting between the Thunder and Jazz this season.

The two teams will meet three more times before the season’s end, including back-to-back games in Oklahoma City next week as the Jazz open a six-game road swing.

Utah Jazz vs. OKC Thunder Broadcast

The Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder game is being televised on AT&T SportsNet and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. It can also be streamed on DirecTV Stream and FuboTV.