Jazz Fall to Magic in a Thriller, But Jaren Jackson Jr. Shines Bright in Debut
The Utah Jazz dropped a tight one to the Orlando Magic, 120-117, in a game that had everything: big leads, momentum swings, and a debut that could change the trajectory of the franchise. Utah came out firing and built a double-digit cushion early, but Orlando chipped away possession by possession, ultimately executing just enough down the stretch to escape with the win.
Despite the loss, this one didn’t feel like a step back for Utah. If anything, it was a glimpse into what this team might become-especially with Jaren Jackson Jr. now in the fold.
Player Breakdown and Analysis
Lauri Markkanen - A
Once again, Lauri was the engine.
He poured in 27 points on 12-of-21 shooting, grabbed 7 rebounds, and hit timely shots when the Jazz needed a lift. His chemistry with Jaren Jackson Jr. was immediately evident in the first half, and while his minutes were limited after halftime, the early flashes of that frontcourt pairing were eye-opening.
Markkanen’s assertiveness, touch, and willingness to take on the scoring load continue to anchor this team.
Jaren Jackson Jr. - A+
What a debut.
Jackson looked like he’d been wearing Jazz purple for years, not minutes. He dropped 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, added 5 boards and 3 assists, and knocked down a pair of threes.
But it wasn’t just the numbers-it was the presence. He brought size, swagger, and a mismatch nightmare in the post.
His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim gives Utah a new dimension on both ends. If this is the baseline, the Jazz just added a serious building block for the future.
Jusuf Nurkic - C
Nurkic did the grunt work inside, pulling down 14 rebounds and giving Utah second-chance opportunities.
Offensively, though, he was quiet-just 3 points-and a few too many turnovers kept him from having a more complete impact. Still, his physicality on the glass was valuable.
Keyonte George - C
Tough break for the rookie, who exited early with an ankle sprain after logging just 13 minutes.
He managed 5 points and a nice assist to JJJ before going down, but the injury cut short what could’ve been a great opportunity to build chemistry with the new-look lineup. The hope now is he gets healthy and back on the floor soon.
Ace Bailey - B
Bailey brought energy and confidence.
He finished with 10 points, 3 boards, and 3 assists, and looked fearless in crunch time. He made some tough buckets late, competed on defense, and even threw down a highlight-reel windmill dunk.
The offensive polish is still coming, but the effort and competitiveness are already there. He’s not shying away from the moment.
Isaiah Collier - A
Collier continues to stack impressive performances.
He tallied 20 points and 10 assists, attacking the paint with purpose and creating for his teammates. He did have a few turnovers that stung, but overall, he kept the offense flowing and looked increasingly comfortable running the show.
He’s quickly becoming a reliable contributor.
John Konchar - B
Konchar did what he does best-fill in the gaps.
With 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, he played solid two-way basketball and made smart, winning plays. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of role player every team needs-steady, unselfish, and dependable.
Kevin Love - C
Love chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds on perfect shooting splits, including 3-of-3 from deep.
He didn’t dominate, but he brought veteran poise and floor spacing that helped open things up. Solid, efficient, and exactly what you’d expect from a seasoned pro.
Brice Sensabaugh - D
It was a rough night for Sensabaugh.
He struggled to create separation and shot just 1-of-9 from the field. With 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, he wasn’t invisible-but he’ll need to find ways to contribute when the shot isn’t falling.
His handle continues to be a work in progress, especially against longer defenders.
Cody Williams - B
Williams didn’t light up the box score-0 points, 2 rebounds-but his defense stood out.
He made smart reads, stayed disciplined, and didn’t force anything offensively. He’s quietly earning his place in the rotation with consistent effort and defensive awareness.
Vince Williams Jr. - B
No points, but plenty of impact.
Williams Jr. brought hustle, fought through screens, and played with high energy. He notched an assist and a block, and his defensive activity helped steady things when the game tightened up.
Kyle Filipowski - B-
Filipowski made the most of limited minutes.
With 9 points and 5 rebounds, he played physical and didn’t look overwhelmed. He’s still finding his rhythm, but the early signs are encouraging.
Final Takeaway
This is the kind of loss you can live with if you’re the Jazz. The team played hard, stayed competitive until the final buzzer, and showcased real growth-especially from the young core.
Most importantly, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s debut injected a jolt of excitement into the franchise. His two-way impact was immediate, and his pairing with Lauri Markkanen could be something special.
There’s still a long way to go in terms of building chemistry and tightening up late-game execution, but the foundation is starting to take shape. The Jazz may not have pulled out the win, but they walked away with something just as valuable: a glimpse of what this team could become.
Next up: Miami Heat, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. MT.