Rather expected in the “tanking race”, with a certain Victor Wembanyama in the viewfinder, the Jazz never ceases to surprise at the start of the season.
Already victorious over the Nuggets for its “opening night”, then over the Wolves in overtime, Utah made the pass of three on Sunday evening, winning again after overtime, and again against another playoff contender. , the Pelicans (122-121).
With this young and inexperienced Jazz, expect anything. As well to end up at +17 in the last quarter as to take a 22-3 in the gums in the following minutes. But also to win in overtime on a “floater” by Kelly Olynyk 3 seconds from the end (122-121) for a third consecutive victory!
“I take my foot! »launches Will Hardy in the Salt Lake Grandstand. “It’s everything I dreamed of, and more! »
Well balanced offensively thanks to four players with 10 points or more including Markkanen at 31, Clarkson at 18, Vanderbilt at 15 and Olynyk at 20, the Jazz impresses above all with their collective strength. First in defense where the young players of the Jazz do not spare their mount.
“It’s one more match where our defensive activity made the difference, we again forced our opponent to [17] stray bullets, continues Coach Hardy.
Intense Jazz
But Utah also presents an attractive face in attack, with an effective and even contagious passing game, with 29 assists out of 43 baskets: “I rub off on everyone”laughs Conley, author of a game with 7 points and 8 assists.
On his momentum of a Euro all fire all flame, Lauri Markkanen perfectly embodies this start to the season with a fanfare of Jazz with 31 points and 12 rebounds, he who tore away to save the ball on Clarkson’s final basket to win extension.
“We have to keep this intensity in every game”advocates Markkanen. “Of course, we won’t win every time, but we can play hard and be more competitive than the other team. »
Author of the winning basket, Olynyk appreciates the dedication of his teammates, who are gradually finding their marks after a busy off-season.
“From first to last, the guys are playing hard, they are playing right, they are playing together and selflessly,” concludes Olynyk. “It was really fun to play those first three games. We progress and we get to know each other. It shows and it’s exciting for the future. »
