The Utah Jazz are showing signs of life - and not just on the scoreboard. After back-to-back wins over Memphis and Dallas, the Jazz have clawed their way back into the Western Conference’s play-in picture, now sitting in the 10th spot. It’s a modest two-game streak, sure, but in a season that’s been a rollercoaster, it feels like a much-needed jolt of momentum in Salt Lake City.
Let’s be clear: a 10-15 record isn’t going to turn heads around the league. But for this group, it’s a step forward - and a meaningful one.
Just a season ago, the Jazz didn’t notch their 10th win until January 12, when they were buried in a 10-28 hole with little hope of climbing out. This year, there’s a different energy.
There’s belief.
That belief starts with Lauri Markkanen, who remains the heartbeat of this team. But he’s no longer carrying the load alone.
The emergence of rookie guard Keyonte George has been a game-changer. He’s averaging 23.5 points per game and doing it with confidence, poise, and a scoring touch that’s ahead of schedule.
George gives Utah a legitimate second scoring option - and maybe even a future star in the making.
But what’s made this recent stretch encouraging isn’t just the top-end talent. It’s the depth.
Nine different Jazz players are averaging between six and 10 points per game, which speaks to a balanced attack and a team that’s buying in. That kind of across-the-board contribution is what keeps a team afloat through the grind of an 82-game season.
Still, this isn’t a finished product. Not even close.
The Defense Still Needs Work
If the Jazz are serious about making a run at the postseason - even if it’s just the play-in - they’ll need to tighten things up on the defensive end. Right now, that side of the ball is holding them back.
Here’s the reality: only two players on the roster currently have offensive ratings higher than their defensive ones - Lauri Markkanen (125 ORtg to 122 DRtg) and Kevin Love (125 to 120). And while those numbers are solid, Love is only playing about 15 minutes a night.
The guys logging the heavy minutes? They’re getting beat more often than not.
Walker Kessler’s absence hasn’t helped. He’s a key rim protector and rebounder, and without him, the Jazz are left scrambling to fill that void.
But this can’t just be about one guy. If Kessler’s out, the entire group has to step up - even if that means just getting a few more stops per game.
In a league where margins are razor-thin, a handful of extra defensive possessions can swing a result.
Keyonte George: A Bright Spot with Room to Grow
As electric as George has been offensively, his defense is still a work in progress. He’s shown flashes - fighting through screens, staying in front of quicker guards - but the numbers tell a more sobering story. He ranks just 24th among point guards in steals per game (0.8) and is turning the ball over 3.5 times a night.
That turnover number hurts, but it’s the lack of on-ball pressure that’s more concerning. At 6'4" with a solid wingspan and good instincts, George has the tools to be a disruptive defender.
If he can start averaging even 1.5 steals per game, that would go a long way toward setting the tone on defense. Because it starts at the point of attack - if the lead guard can’t contain dribble penetration, the whole defense gets put in rotation.
Rebounding: A Clear Indicator
Another area where the Jazz’s fate seems to hang in the balance? The glass.
When Utah rebounds well, they win. It’s that simple.
They’re 6-4 in games where they pull down 48 or more boards, and just 4-11 when they don’t hit that mark. Jusuf Nurkic has been doing his part - his 9.6 rebounds per game currently rank 10th in the league - but he can’t do it alone.
The Jazz need more gang rebounding, especially from their wings and guards. Long rebounds, second-chance points - these are the hidden battles that often decide close games. And for a team that doesn’t have a ton of margin for error, every possession matters.
Keeping Games Manageable
There’s also a clear pattern when it comes to scoring defense. In games where they allow 130 points or more, the Jazz are just 3-8. But when they hold opponents under that number, they’re a much more respectable 7-7.
That tells you everything you need to know. Utah can score - they’ve got offensive firepower - but they can’t win shootouts every night.
They don’t have the defensive personnel to survive 140-135 games on a regular basis. If they can just keep games in the 110-120 range, they give themselves a real shot.
The Road Ahead
The Jazz aren’t going to make a blockbuster move tomorrow. This is the group they’ve got, and they’re going to ride with it.
But that doesn’t mean they’re stuck. There’s still room for internal growth - especially on the defensive end - and that’s what will determine how far this team can go.
The offense is clicking. The young talent is showing up. And the depth is giving them a fighting chance.
Now it’s about commitment - to defense, to rebounding, to doing the little things that help win games in March and April. If the Jazz can find that gear, they’ll be more than just a fun story. They’ll be a team nobody wants to see in the play-in.