Micah Collins and John Collins Combine for Highlight Alley-Oop In Jazz Win
Dec 21, 2024, 8:01 PM | Updated: Dec 23, 2024, 3:01 pm
OKLAHOMA CITY- John Collins and the Utah Jazz are looking to continue the hot start to their East Coast road trip. After a win in Detroit two days ago, the Jazz are once again in control in Brooklyn against the Nets.
The Utah Jazz are well on their way to putting together back-to-back wins for the first time this season, thanks in part to a perfect alley-oop pass from Micah Porter to John Collins.
Nearing the end of the third quarter, the Jazz had opened up a ten-point lead on the Nets and would eventually go on to outscore Brooklyn by eight in the quarter. With possession and the chance to solidify their insurmountable lead, Micah Porter entered the lane unguarded, requiring Day’RonSharpe of the Nets to meet Porter with the help defense. This rotation left the space underneath the basket completely empty. John Collins recognized it and dove toward the hoop where he caught the lob from Micah Porter, putting it away reverse style.
get up then, @jcollins20_! pic.twitter.com/CRyhW8Znxu
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 22, 2024
The lead that the Jazz built early in the second half held up during an even battle in the fourth with Utah going on to win 105-94.
Three Takeaways: Jazz Hold Off Pistons
Team Full Of Shooters
As popularized by the Golden State Warriors in 2015 and reaffirmed by the Boston Celtics in 2024, you need shooters to win in the modern NBA. A lot of them.
Through the first quarter of the 2024-25 season, most of the Jazz roster has shown that they are or can be good shooters. That sentiment was reflected in Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.
Utah shot 50 percent from deep as a team. Top performers in that category included Collin Sexton (5/7) and Keyonte George (7/13).
Other players who didn’t have the best shooting night are still seen as quality shot makers such as Lauri Markkanen, Johnny Juzang, and Brice Sensabaugh.
The Jazz have shot over 40 percent from three as a team seven times this season.
The fellas brought the energy (including 20 team threes & 23 team assists) tonight 🔋
Let's watch that one again 📹#TakeNote presented by @LVT_USA pic.twitter.com/akCpSt1Q4x
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2024
Fighting Through Controversy
After jumping out to a near 30-point lead in the first quarter, the Pistons went on to win each of the final three quarters.
This included winning the second quarter by 16. Late in the fourth, Detroit closed the lead all the way down to five.
There were also a handful of scuffles, altercations, and chippy moments. Something that has been burned into the identity of Detroit Basketball for decades at this point.
For a Jazz team that boasts the sixth-youngest roster in the association, having mental toughness and the ability to fight through controversy is huge.
Today, its holding on to a regular season lead. Tomorrow, it could be closing out a series with three wins under your belt.
tonight’s key thoughts 🔑💭#TakeNote | @keyonte1george pic.twitter.com/qLlBKY9T26
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2024
Markkanen and George have both had their fair share of struggles so far in the young season.
Against the Pistons, both players but that in the rearview mirror.
Markkanen finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds. George had 28 points and three assists on good efficiency.
What George’s long-term role both with the Jazz and just in the NBA in general has yet to be seen. However, just like Markkanen, its no secret that he is a huge part of Utah’s offense.
It’s important for players like that to build confidence whenever they can. Both Markkanen and George were able to do that on Thursday night.
KEYONTE GEORGE DUNK OF THE YEAR 😳
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) December 20, 2024
