“Group Effort As Always” | Hardy And Popovich Reunite As Utah … – NBA.com
Back on the road.
After spending Christmas morning with their families, the Jazz return to action on Monday night when they face Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs in the Lonestar State. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. MT.
The Jazz were gifted an early Christmas present with three days off — tying their most days off in between games this season. They got the chance to not just relax at home and have their bodies physically recover, but they could participate in the holiday festivities by spending Christmas with their families.
Hopefully they made good use of their downtime because they once again have a very brutal stretch, this time to end the calendar year. Utah will play four games in the next six days, all coming from a different city.
First up are the Spurs, a team struggling in the standings but capable of beating anyone on a given night.
They’ve already beaten three of the league’s top teams, but have lost four of their last five.
Keldon Johnson continues to emerge as a potential star, while Devin Vassell looks like an ideal running mate. But as is the case with this organization, their head coach is the key as he’s one of the greatest to ever do it — someone Utah head coach Will Hardy knows well.
Hardy got his start under Popovich as an intern, growing into a valuable piece of his coaching staff throughout the years. He also worked with Team USA under Popovich, picking up so much during his time.
The Jazz are beginning to round into form after winning four of their past six games.
While Lauri Markkanen continues to play at an All-Star level and Jordan Clarkson’s game is still evolving in a way never seen before, Utah is getting big contributions from everyone.
Mike Conley is the steady veteran who might be the most important player on the roster regarding team success. Walker Kessler is the rookie center who impresses more and more each day. Jarred Vanderbilt does all the dirty work while making strides in his offense. Collin Sexton and Malik Beasley make up arguably the most dangerous duo coming off the bench of any team in the league.
Overall, this team has come together over the past two weeks and is looking to finish the calendar year strong.
“It’s a group effort as always,” Hardy said.
STATS
Utah (19-16, 7-11 away / No. 7 Western Conference)
Offense
*117.0 Points Per Game (No. 4 in NBA)
*115.7 Offensive Rating (No. 4 in NBA)
Defense
*115.9 Points Per Game (No. 23 in NBA)
*114.3 Defensive Rating (No. 26 in NBA)
Individual
*Lauri Markkanen: 22.8 points | 8.1 rebounds | 2.1 assists | 44.0% 3P-shooting
*Jordan Clarkson: 20.1 points | 4.5 assists | 3.8 rebounds | 35.6% 3P-shooting
*Malik Beasley: 14.5 points | 3.7 rebounds | 38.8% 3P-shooting
*Collin Sexton: 14.5 points | 2.9 assists | 2.3 rebounds | 38.0% 3P-shooting
San Antonio (10-22, 5-12 away / No. 14 Western Conference)
Offense
*110.6 Points Per Game (No. 25 in NBA)
*108.9 Offensive Rating (No. 28 in NBA)
Defense
*120.2 Points Per Game (No. 30 in NBA)
*118.3 Defensive Rating (No. 30 in NBA)
Individual
*Keldon Johnson: 20.9 points | 5.1 rebounds | 2.9 assists | 34.6% 3P-shooting
*Devin Vassell: 19.4 points | 4.0 rebounds | 3.5 assists | 39.9% 3P-shooting
*Tre Jones: 12.8 points | 6.6 assists | 3.5 rebounds
*Jakob Poeltl: 12.1 points | 9.0 rebounds | 3.0 assists
KEY MATCHUP
*Lauri Markkanen vs. Keldon Johnson
— Not only Markkanen in the running for the NBA All-Star game, he’s easily one of the frontrunners for Most Improved Player as his career season has helped make the Jazz legitimate playoff contenders. Johnson is still young but appears on his way to stardom with a breakout third season, making this battle highly exciting but individually and as a whole.
INJURY REPORT
Utah
OUT | Johnny Juzang (G League – Two-Way)
OUT | Kelly Olynyk (left ankle sprain)
OUT | Micah Potter (G League – Two-Way)
San Antonio
OUT | Dominick Barlow (G League – Two-Way)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Time: 6:00 p.m. MST
Location: AT&T Center |San Antonio, TX
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: The Zone Sports Network