Lauri Markkanen delivered a dazzling performance with 34 points, while Collin Sexton’s fourth-quarter heroics led the Utah Jazz to a convincing 121-106 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday.
The win snapped Utah’s four-game losing streak, giving the home crowd something to celebrate after a challenging stretch.
Sexton erupted in the fourth quarter, sinking four clutch 3-pointers and finishing with 25 points. John Collins also played a pivotal role, posting a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, as the Jazz capitalized on balanced scoring and defensive intensity to secure the win.
For the Knicks, OG Anunoby had a season-best night with 27 points, while Jalen Brunson added 23. Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 16 points and an impressive 16 rebounds, but the Knicks struggled collectively, shooting just 39% from the field. Their five-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt as they faltered under Utah’s relentless pace.
Jazz Seize Momentum Early
Utah controlled much of the game, building a 66-51 halftime lead fueled by a late second-quarter surge. Markkanen drilled a 3-pointer, Walker Kessler added a fast-break layup, and Keyonte George hit a buzzer-beating floater, leaving the Knicks scrambling to recover in the second half. Despite a spirited defensive effort late in the game, New York never fully closed the gap.
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Sexton Seals the Deal
When the Knicks cut the lead to eight in the fourth quarter, it appeared a comeback might be brewing. However, Sexton silenced the momentum shift with his sharpshooting, and the Jazz responded with a 10-0 run. Johnny Juzang’s 3-pointer with just over six minutes remaining put Utah ahead 104-86, effectively ending New York’s hopes.
Knicks’ Defense Struggles
New York’s defense, often a liability in challenging shooting nights, was exposed again. Ranked in the bottom 10 of several defensive metrics, the Knicks were slow to switch and rotate in the first half, giving the Jazz plenty of open looks. While there were flashes of intensity in the second half, it was too little, too late to overcome the early deficit.
Kessler’s Impactful Return
Walker Kessler’s return to the Jazz lineup made an immediate difference. The young center recorded 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks while altering numerous shots in the paint. His presence was felt defensively, as he anchored Utah’s interior and forced the Knicks into difficult attempts around the rim.
Towns’ Shooting Woes
Karl-Anthony Towns, a reliable deep shooter this season, endured an uncharacteristically cold night from beyond the arc. The big man went 0-for-7 from 3-point range, marking the first game in nine outings without a made triple. His inability to stretch the floor effectively allowed Utah to pack the paint and focus on containing drives.
Takeaways
The Knicks’ offensive efficiency, a strength during their winning streak, deserted them in this matchup. Without consistent scoring, their defensive vulnerabilities were magnified. Meanwhile, the Jazz showcased resilience and depth, leaning on Markkanen’s scoring brilliance and Sexton’s clutch gene to close out the game.
Up Next
The Knicks will look to regroup as their road trip continues against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Utah, on the other hand, hopes to build on this momentum when they host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.
This victory could mark a turning point for the Jazz, while the Knicks will need to tighten their defense and rediscover their offensive rhythm to bounce back.
