Collin Sexton Runs Break, Gives Utah Jazz First Lead With Dunk

SALT LAKE CITY – After Utah went down early, the Jazz fought back and took their first lead of the season off of a Collin Sexton dunk.

The flush gave Sexton his first points of the year.

Release the *young* 𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗟 𓃓 #TakeNote | @collinsexton02 pic.twitter.com/9vSjRwujRk

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 26, 2023

Sexton subbed in and provided some instant offense for a Jazz team going through first-game jitters.

Talen Horton-Tucker, who earned the starting guard spot, opened the game with six quick points on two shots from range.

This included the first basket for the Jazz in its 50th anniversary season.

first bucket of the 23/24 season brought to you by @thortontucker 🎷 pic.twitter.com/8qzFDoGrdj

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 26, 2023

The dunk gave Utah an 18-17 lead over Sacramento.

How Did Talen Horton-Tucker Win Starting Job For Jazz?

After much discussion throughout the offseason about who would win the job, Talen Horton-Tucker will be starting for the Utah Jazz in their season opener.

Coach Will Hardy announced the decision during his pregame availability as the Jazz prepared to take on the Sacramento Kings to tip off their 50th season.

The first of 𝟴𝟮 🛎️#StartingLineup | @zionsbank pic.twitter.com/fDeGU1zAq8

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 26, 2023

Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Walker Kessler will join Horton-Tucker in the Jazz starting lineup.

During Jazz training camp Hardy compared the Jazz guard depth to the “Hunger Games” — a battle royal to earn minutes in the team’s rotation.

Though the Jazz’s coach waited until opening night to officially name Horton-Tucker the starter, there were signs throughout the preseason that the 22-year-old had a leg-up on the job.

Horton-Tucker was the only Jazz guard to start all five preseason games, and was the team’s second-leading minute-getter.

The @utahjazz starting lineup:

G: Talen Horton-Tucker
G: Jordan Clarkson
F: Lauri Markkanen
F: John Collins
C: Walker Kessler#TakeNote | @kslsports

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) October 25, 2023

In nearly 22 minutes a night, the Iowa State product averaged 14.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 36 percent from three.

Despite his strong offensive numbers, it’s on the defensive end where the Jazz coaching staff wants see Horton-Tucker shine.

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Chandler Holt is a co-host for the Jazz Notes podcast and a Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerHoltKSL or on Threads @chandlerho1t.

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