Jazz 121, Knicks 106: “How does Utah only have 3 wins?”

Anunoby’s season-high not enough to overcome Knicks’ defensive sour notes in loss.

When the New York Knicks (9-7) faced off against the Utah Jazz (4-12) at the Delta Center this evening, both teams had four-game streaks at stake—the Knicks for wins and the Jazz for losses.

We predicted a blowout. The prediction was wrong.

Quoth PolyphonicSprewell: “How does Utah only have 3 wins?” My thoughts exactly. Five of the Jazz’s 12 losses this season were by single digits. On Thursday, they had a 20-point lead on the San Antonio Spurs (before blowing it). Utah is an NBA team with professional basketball players. “You snooze, you lose,” as my social studies teacher used to tell me, rudely interrupting my slumbers.

Hence, the Knicks saw their four-game winning streak snapped with a 121-106 loss. Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 34 points, backed by Collin Sexton’s clutch fourth-quarter shooting and John Collins’ 20-point, 13-board double-double. For the Knicks, OG Anunoby scored 27 points (his highest total as a Knick), Jalen Brunson added 23 points (despite shooting 2-of-9 from three), and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double (despite shooting 1-of-9 from three). Their efforts couldn’t overcome poor shooting and defensive lapses. Josh Hart logged 41 minutes but posted a team-worst -37 plus-minus (despite scoring 17), and Mikal Bridges managed just seven points on 3-of-15 shooting.

On the Jazz side, Walker Kessler’s return provided a boost. He contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks to anchor Utah’s defense. Keep an eye on him before the trade deadline!

First Half

Both teams came out fast-paced from the bell. Lauri Markkanen quickly found his rhythm for Utah, while OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson kept the Knicks within striking distance. Despite some defensive miscues, the Knicks trailed by only four, 31-27, after the first quarter.

Mikal Bridges had a rough night offensively but finished with a -1 plus-minus—better than Hart’s -37, Towns’ -34, or Brunson’s -15. This pick-six was a highlight.

The second quarter saw Utah distance themselves. The Knicks struggled with shooting, hitting just 39% from the field, and failed to disrupt Utah’s offensive flow. A 15-0 Jazz run, fueled by Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Keyonte George’s buzzer-beating floater, sent the teams into halftime with Utah leading 66-51.

Second Half

Thibs must have had the grills going at halftime, as the Knicks came out with a fire under the keisters. Their defensive intensity picked up, forcing tougher Jazz shots and slowing Utah’s transition game. OG Anunoby led a Knicks’ 17-0 run that swung momentum their way.

Jericho Sims played just nine minutes but led the team with a +19 plus-minus. His limited action included this pretty play.

However, missed opportunities on offense prevented the Knicks from getting into the black. By the end of the third quarter, Utah held their lead, 91-79.

In the fourth quarter, the Knicks made one last push, cutting the deficit to eight points thanks to timely plays by Jalen and KAT. But the Jazz quickly answered. Collin Sexton lit up the scoreboard with four 3-pointers, and Johnny Juzang’s dagger triple capped a decisive 10-0 run. The Knicks couldn’t recover, falling 121-106 and suffering their first loss in five games.

Hey, look who wants to be friends.

Up Next

The Knicks continue their five-game road trip with a matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score