Collin Sexton erupted for 30 points, Lauri Markkanen added a double-double with 27 points and 14 rebounds, and the Utah Jazz held off a late rally to defeat the Detroit Pistons 126-119.
It marked just the second win in 10 games for Utah, who improved to 6-20 on the season.
Keyonte George also made a significant impact for the Jazz, scoring 28 points and helping Utah build a commanding 29-point lead in the first quarter. Despite struggling with 27 turnovers, the Jazz managed to hold on for the victory in a game that had no shortage of drama or high-intensity moments.
Cade Cunningham was electric for Detroit, putting up 33 points before fouling out in the game’s final minute. Malik Beasley added 23 points in a losing effort, as the Pistons fell short despite a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
Utah came out firing, scoring 42 points in the first 10 minutes of the game, with Sexton and George combining for 22 points during that stretch. The duo was perfect from beyond the arc in the opening quarter, going 6-for-6 from three. By the end of the first, Utah had built a commanding 48-19 lead.
The Pistons, however, clawed their way back, capitalizing on Utah’s carelessness with the ball. Detroit forced 27 turnovers, narrowing what was once a 29-point deficit to just five with under two minutes remaining. The Jazz responded with back-to-back clutch 3-pointers from John Collins and Keyonte George, stretching the lead to 120-109 with 51 seconds to play, effectively sealing the game.
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A chaotic third quarter added to the night’s drama. A dead-ball situation with 1:36 remaining turned into a heated confrontation between Utah’s Jordan Clarkson and Detroit’s Paul Reed. Technical fouls were handed out, and Clarkson, along with rookie Ron Holland II, was ejected after the two squared off. Reed, who had been re-signed by Detroit earlier in the week, finished with 12 points and a season-high nine rebounds.
George’s resilience was another key storyline. After leaving the game in the third quarter due to an ankle tweak, the rookie guard returned and made a crucial impact late, showcasing both his skill and poise under pressure.
Utah’s win snapped a three-game losing streak in which they had been outscored by an average of 29.7 points while conceding nearly 140 points per game. The victory also demonstrated their ability to withstand adversity, as the team’s offensive explosion in the first quarter gave them just enough cushion to survive the Pistons’ rally.
Detroit Lose Despite Cunningham Performance
Detroit, meanwhile, continued their struggles, losing for the 22nd time this season. Despite Cunningham’s stellar performance and Beasley’s scoring burst, the Pistons couldn’t overcome their sluggish start and foul trouble. The loss extended their woes in what has been a challenging season.
Utah’s high-powered first quarter was a statistical standout, as the Jazz’s 48 points were fueled by lights-out shooting from Sexton and George. Their combined accuracy from deep set the tone early and gave Utah the upper hand in what turned into a back-and-forth battle.
Looking ahead, both teams have tough matchups on Saturday night. The Jazz will travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets, while the Pistons head to Phoenix to take on the Suns. For Utah, building on this momentum could be key as they look to turn their season around. Detroit, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and address the defensive lapses that have plagued them.
The Jazz’s victory highlighted their offensive potential, with Sexton, Markkanen, and George leading the way. For the Pistons, it was another night of missed opportunities, despite Cunningham’s heroics. Both teams showed flashes of promise, but consistency remains the hurdle they’ll need to clear as the season progresses.