On such a sample of matches, we can no longer speak of coincidence. Last December 13, during the Knicks reception, Will Hardy decided, through injuries, to introduce a new kid into his starting five: Collin Sexton. Starting for the first time this season, the former Cavs player immediately performed well with 26 points to lead his team to a much sought-after victory.
A month later, the point guard is still in the five and the Jazz have made a radical change in dynamic. By crushing the Raptors last night, the Salt Lake City team has 13 victories in its last 17 outings. The returns from injury of Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson obviously have something to do with it.
Collin rises through the ranks
But the Finn noted the Sexton factor in the equation: “ Collin is playing very well, at a high level. He really chooses his zones, when to attack, when to facilitate, when to slow down and when to use his speed. I think he's playing at a very high level right now and we need him to continue to do so. »
Observations confirmed by his teammate's performance against Toronto, where the 25-year-old showed mastery in his choice of shots and fixation. With 20 points in the end (5/10 on shots including 3/3 from distance) and 5 assists. His 13th game with 20 points or more since mid-December.
Since he started, over 17 games, he has averaged 21 points and almost 5 assists. Above all, with very good skill percentages, well above his career averages: 51% overall including 40% behind the arc. Much more comfortable with his outside shot, Sexton nonetheless remains a top-tier “slasher,” capable of finishing in different positions.
A balanced balance sheet
“ Collin is one of the best athletes I have ever been around. It's incredibly low (on its supports) when he penetrates, he's very strong, very explosive and he's able to make plays through contact. We know he can go into the paint at will, maybe not every time, but most of the time, and his decision-making has really improved in those areas. », appreciates his coach.
With Sexton in good shape, the Jazz now have a balanced record with 20 victories and as many defeats. With its current streak of four consecutive victories, the Utah franchise has dislodged the Lakers in 10th place in the Western Conference.
| Collin Sexton | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | KEY | 82 | 32 | 43.0 | 40.2 | 83.9 | 0.7 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 2.3 | 0.1 | 16.7 |
| 2019-20 | KEY | 65 | 33 | 47.2 | 38.0 | 84.6 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 0.1 | 20.8 |
| 2020-21 | KEY | 60 | 35 | 47.5 | 37.1 | 81.5 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 3.1 | 4.4 | 2.6 | 1.0 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 24.3 |
| 2021-22 | KEY | 11 | 29 | 45.0 | 24.4 | 74.4 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 0.0 | 16.0 |
| 2022-23 | UTH | 48 | 24 | 50.6 | 39.3 | 81.9 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 14.3 |
| 2023-24 | UTH | 39 | 24 | 47.9 | 34.7 | 88.8 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 16.2 |
| Total | 305 | 30 | 46.5 | 37.6 | 83.4 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 0.1 | 18.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
