Nickeil Alexander-Walker Makes Jazz Pay for Parting Ways

The Utah Jazz offense struggled without their two leading scorers.

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Utah Jazz 101-90 in a contest that was a tale of two halves. The Jazz got off to a blazing start, but the wheels of success fell off in the third quarter, and several former Jazzmen got the better of their former team.

When these two teams compete, there is an added ingredient of competition due to the blockbuster trade that was facilitated prior to last season. The atmosphere was different tonight, but the Wolves were dealt the better hand.

The Jazz dressed 12 players, and 10 were rewarded with playing time. Simone Fontecchio continued to impress the coaching staff and his teammates by scoring 16 points, dropping five assists, and snagging five boards. The absence of Lauri Markkanen opened the door for additional playing and "Italian Jordan" has delivered. 

Collin Sexton provided 14 points and four assists in a reserve role, while Ochai Agbaji slid into a starter role with 13 points, along with six rebounds, four steals, and three assists. These statistical performances were beneficial for the Jazz, but the team still walked away with a loss.

The T-wolves' game plan consisted of the steady diet of Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Nickeil-Alexander Walker. Towns was the leader with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Gobert had a good showing with 15 points and 13 rebounds, but the MVP for the Wolves belongs to Alexander-Walker. 

Jazz fans may remember Alexander-Walker's brief stay in SLC, and I wrote several articles about his natural feel for the game of basketball. He poured in 20 points, seven assists, five steals, and three rebounds and managed two blocked shots. 

Alexander-Walker's size played an important role on the defensive against Keyonte George. This match-up will always be exciting, and Alexander-Walker gave the Jazz front office something to consider.

I don't like blaming a loss on missing players, but the Jazz were minus Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, Utah's two best offensive threats.

Winning on the road in this league is tough, and the Jazz will finally get some home cooking against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night at 7:30 pm MDT.

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