Keyonte George Shines in Jazz Victory
In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday night, Keyonte George proved to be the standout performer, notching a remarkable 43 points and leading the Utah Jazz to a 127-122 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This win was particularly significant for Jazz coach Will Hardy, as it marked his 100th career coaching triumph in the NBA.
Team Contributions
Contributing to the Jazz’s success was Jusuf Nurkic, who accomplished a triple-double with 16 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists—his first since January 2019 when he played for the Portland Trail Blazers. Utah also saw solid performances from rookie Ace Bailey, who added 20 points, and Isaiah Collier, who recorded 18 points along with 10 assists.
Timberwolves’ Struggles
Despite building a 15-point advantage during the game, Minnesota was unable to secure the win, suffering its third consecutive loss after a four-game road trip. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 38 points, showcasing a strong individual performance. His efforts included a three-point play that narrowed the deficit to just two points late in the game. However, George’s timely response with a critical three-pointer helped the Jazz regain momentum and ultimately clinch the win.
Fourth Quarter Highlights
Bailey made noteworthy contributions, initiating an 11-2 run for his team that flipped the game in their favor during the fourth quarter. During this final period, the Jazz scored on all their first 11 possessions, pulling ahead decisively. Prior to that, Edwards had scored 12 points in the third quarter, allowing the Timberwolves to take a lead from a one-point deficit.
Rudy Gobert’s Return
Rudy Gobert, returning from a brief absence due to a suspension and injury, produced a solid 11 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, though he received a technical foul for elbowing Nurkic in the fourth quarter. Fortunately for him, video reviews determined that his actions did not warrant a flagrant foul.
Looking Ahead
Notably, the Jazz were without their leading scorer, Lauri Markkanen, along with teammates Kevin Love and Brice Sensabaugh. This season, Utah had previously struggled without Markkanen, going winless in their first 10 games without him.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will return to their home court to face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, while the Jazz are set to host the San Antonio Spurs the same night.
