Tanking Jazz fall to Cavaliers, 129-113: 2 Winners, 1 Loser

The Utah Jazz are in full tank mode.

Apr 2, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (8) lays the ball up / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Utah Jazz 129-113 last night at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. This marked the 10th consecutive loss for the Jazz as they have not sipped the taste of victory since March 15th when they defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 124-122.

This losing streak is why encouraging your team to tank is a horrible idea. The rigors of an NBA schedule and season will yield losses even with maximum efforts to win. Developing and maintaining a winning culture is utterly important, particularly when grooming the crop of young talents available for your disposal, and the Jazz has plenty.

Let's dive in and review the winners and losers as they were in the contest.

Brice Sensabaugh | Winner

Sensabaugh played his best game of the season while leading his team in scoring with 22 points. He grabbed seven rebounds, dropped four assists, and canned six shots from downtown on just nine attempts while displaying a great feel for the game. The eye test reveals that this young man can flat-out score the rock and must be considered part of the Jazz future. He has certainly proved he is here to stay on the NBA level.

The Jazz were able to get Sensabaugh late in the first round because of concerns about his injury history. There haven't been any hiccups so far, and Utah is reaping the rewards.

Jarrett Allen | Winner

Cavs center Allen dazzled with his 21 points, 12 boards, five assists, one steal, and shot 73% from the field. He also posted a +26 off-the-chart game rating and controlled the defensive end of the court. It sometimes seemed like multiple Allen's were on the court while he was in his bag.

His team is guaranteed to compete in this year's playoffs, and some feel they have a puncher's chance to participate in the NBA Finals, so we shall see. But last night, the Jazz had no answers to trying to slow Allen.

Luka Samanic | Loser

Yes, Samanic scored 12 points, but repeatedly, he could not stop his opponent defensively. He allowed too many scored baskets, too many rolls to the rim, and basic basketball moves that seemed to jam him up throughout the game. There are certainly levels to the NBA, and the Cavaliers' starters gave him a hot dose of backup reality. He puts some effort into it but does not appear to be a futuristic piece for a budding hoop squad, and the Jazz are planning for the future.

Next on the Jazz schedule is a Friday night visit to California to battle the Los Angeles Clippers. Already a playoff contender, the Clippers will be gunning for victory as they look to make a vertical move in the standings before the final seedings.

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