Suns 140, Jazz 137 Double OT: Three Key Takeaways

The Utah Jazz fall short in a thriller in Salt Lake City.

In double overtime, the Phoenix Suns outlasted the Utah Jazz 140-137 at the Delta Center. The Suns finally came out on top in a game with 15 lead changes and nine ties.

In the second overtime, Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen was fouled with no time left and down three points, but upon further review, the call on the court was reversed, which sealed the deal for Phoenix. Durant led the Suns with 31 points, while Devin Booker chipped in 24. Markkanen led all scorers with 32 points in a losing cause. 

Let’s take a look at the key takeaways in the thriller in Salt Lake City.

Talen Horton-Tucker Sighting

Horton-Tucker was feeling it early and often. ‘THT’ had 18 points in the first half, and was the main reason Utah could stay in striking distance.

It’s always a mixed bag with Horton-Tucker, but he felt it Sunday night. Horton-Tucker finished the contest with 25 points on 9-for-18 from the field and 29 minutes on the court. 

Whether Horton-Tucker finishes the season in a Jazz uniform remains to be seen, but he should garner some attention in the trade market due to his high ceiling and young age.

Lauri Markkanen in All-Star Form

The worries that Utah’s best player was a one-year wonder can be put to bed. The ‘Finisher’ had another stellar performance and matched Devin Booker and Kevin Durant shot for shot.

Markkanen has registered five double-doubles in 13 contests and is Utah’s most efficient player. Barring an unforeseen injury, Markkanen could be on his way to making his first All-NBA team.

Jazz Appears to be on the Right Path

Despite losing their last two games, Jazz fans must be pleased with what has transpired over the last couple weeks. Utah has gone toe to toe with an NBA Championship contender in the Suns and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

Since Jazz coach Will Hardy tweaked the rotation, the offense has had the continuity it’s been looking for. Turnovers are down, and efficiency is up. Expect Utah to be competitive moving forward.

Next up is a date with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Utah will be playing for a chance to advance to the knockout round of the in-season tournament.

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