Jazz Surge Continues in 145-113 Win Over Raptors: Key Takeaways
The Utah Jazz welcomed the Toronto Raptors to a 145-113 beatdown in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday night. At no point during this contest did one feel the Raptors had much of a winning chance as Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson paved the way to victory.
The Raptors looked heavy-legged and seemed to be walking in quicksand, while the Jazz resembled an NBA playoff team ready to compete for a championship.
The Jazz have now led by at least 25 points in three consecutive games. Let's take a look at the key takeaways as the Jazz continue to climb the NBA standings.
Jazz Fortunate Knicks Trade Fizzled
RJ Barrett was mentioned in trade talks with the Jazz when the rumor mill was sending Donovan Mitchell to the New York Knicks. Fortunately, the exchange never materialized, and Utah acquired Markkanen instead.
Barrett ended up being shipped to the Raptors, and since that trade, the Raptors had averaged 126 points per game, but not against this underrated Jazz team. He scored four points and posted a -16 game rating and once again put a smile on Jazz executive Danny Ainge's face for not finalizing a proposed trade.
Jazz Bench Continues Dominance
The Jazz outscored the Raptors bench 80-48 and had plenty of fun in doing so. Clarkson led what I consider the best bench in the NBA with 21 points. Kelly Olynyk collected a double-double by scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Walker Kessler tossed in 12 points.
Utah's bench got in its custom deluxe packages, providing energy and a consistent, steady flow of points that created the separation the Jazz needed to put the game away early. I'm sure the Raptors could not board the team plane fast enough to exit Salt Lake City.
Chick-fil-A was not happy with the Raptor's Jalen McDaniels when he decided to miss two consecutive free throws with 4:29 remaining in the game. The miscue meant thousands of Jazz fans would receive some free chicken.
The Jazz are now 20-20 on the season and have moved into the 10th spot in the Western Conference. This was a good win, but the Jazz can't celebrate too long as the Los Angeles Lakers will look to bring their A-game tonight at the Delta Center.
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