Game Thread Feb 07, 2025 08:00PM MT: Utah Jazz @ Phoenix Suns

[Step-Back Lauri]

When the Jazz desperately needed points they went to their star, Markkanen, and time after time he was unable to create good shots or make a good pass time. Just wasted possessions. This is the preview of future playoffs. When you are a star you are supposed to power your team in those moments. I really don't think that Lauri can be even a second option on a playoff team.

You're right, if he's playing like this. It shall be seen can he regain his old level... But the time Jazz will get there being really good, his 3-5 years older so he might be switching even more to the floor spacer role by then. Of course, then he needs to actually start making his shots again. However, if Jazz can't land a trade on him next summer, the next window might be three seasons away unless Lauri recollects himself and starts getting into the line. He either keeps getting stripped or blocked way too much. People who are worried are right,like me. All this tanking thing shouldn't stop us worrying about how bad his on-ball game and drives have been. I know it gets easier when there's more talent around him, but he was able to do **** last two seasons even in games where he was double teamed etc. like all this season.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Now replace John Collins with Cooper Flagg.

Add Flagg to Collins

 

[Miggs]

Not a fan of George at all. Soft, awful defense, dumb face. Just not the type of player on winning teams. Package him, Wolves 2025 1st and something else to move up.

 

[TheGoldStandard]

Hardy's in-game management has always been pretty suspect. Not missing the second free throw with 0,9 left, up by 2 is a fireable offense. Just idiotic, incredibly stupid. And that's 0 % on Lauri with Hardy shouting to him "MAKE IT!" just before the free throw. And no, that wasn't some 4D chess tanking move, just extremely bad coaching.

And then he tells the press multiple times "the end didn't matter, it was all about our D on Booker". Yeah, sure, that was the biggest thing, but you just lost the game for your players.

I am not as high on Hardy as many, but it is clear there is a directive this year, and as of late I am happy with the results. Earlier in the year I was more annoyed with the lack of minutes for the young guys, but I can see logic in bringing them along slowly. If the Jazz lose this game this way in a win mode season, you start questioning.

I will say that players seem to like playing for Hardy, and that is a big plus.

We have seen our young guys get some great growth and experience. That will pay dividends if we can score some other talent in the draft or FA. My biggest worry is some of our young guys have started playing so well that tanking becomes much harder, especially when they start playing more consistently.

 

[kabenac]

RED ALERT: Collier is now shooting over 40% from the field this season! Let's see where he ends up; I'm guessing he lands just over 43%.

 

[SoberasHotRod]

Just watched the second half:

- Hopefully this win helps with the vibes in Phoenix and they can pass MIN in the standings.
- Royce is an elite ball slapper and I miss him.
- Collier shoots with such confidence, it makes me feel like he's going to figure out his shot one day.
- Booker is very good. Having Svi guard him was an elite tanking move.

 

[KqWIN]

Kessler with 19 points 22 rebounds 4 assists and 3 blocks.

Best player on the team this year.

 

[idiot]

- Booker is very good. Having Svi guard him was an elite tanking move.

Yeah, though we didn't have too many other great options (Keyonte, Brice, Juzang). It will be interesting when/if KJ Martin is available. Is he an actual, or just more of a theoretical good defender?

 

[SoberasHotRod]

Yeah, though we didn't have too many other great options (Keyonte, Brice, Juzang). It will be interesting when/if KJ Martin is available. Is he an actual, or just more of a theoretical good defender?

Harkless is a real defender, not just theoretical. Probably the worst part of not trading Sexton or Clarkson and picking up Martin is less time for Harkless.

 

[Tanktastic]

I am not as high on Hardy as many, but it is clear there is a directive this year, and as of late I am happy with the results. Earlier in the year I was more annoyed with the lack of minutes for the young guys, but I can see logic in bringing them along slowly. If the Jazz lose this game this way in a win mode season, you start questioning.

I can't see how any of that has anything to do with Hardy's brainfart.

It wasn't some galaxy brain decision to improve the Suns' chances from 1 % to 3 % for tanking purposes. And it wasn't heat of the moment stuff either, but a decision he knew was coming with a full Jazz timeout after the Grayson Allen three.

He lost the game for the Jazz and didn't take any responsibility for it. Just makes me think he'll make the same mistake again, given a similar situation.

 

[fishonjazz]

I can't see how any of that has anything to do with Hardy's brainfart.

It wasn't some galaxy brain decision to improve the Suns' chances from 1 % to 3 % for tanking purposes. And it wasn't heat of the moment stuff either, but a decision he knew was coming with a full Jazz timeout after the Grayson Allen three.

He lost the game for the Jazz and didn't take any responsibility for it. Just makes me think he'll make the same mistake again, given a similar situation.

You are overthinking and over worrying about it

 

[Tanktastic]

You are overthinking and over worrying about it

At some point Jazz will want to win games, close games, even crucial games. And if Hardy is still there at that point, he'll lose them those games. Unless he takes responsibility and sees he messed up.