The Utah Jazz pulled off a gritty 127-122 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game that had everything-drama, breakout performances, and a glimpse into the team’s evolving identity. It was Utah’s first win this season without Lauri Markkanen in the lineup, and they earned it the hard way, going toe-to-toe with one of the West’s top teams from start to finish.
Let’s start with the headline: Keyonte George. The second-year guard didn’t just have a good night-he had the night.
George dropped a career-high 43 points and added three assists, showcasing the kind of offensive firepower that turns heads around the league. He’s now sitting among the NBA’s top 20 scorers, and even if an All-Star nod isn’t in the cards this year, his trajectory is undeniable.
What’s most impressive is how George got there. In his rookie season, he struggled to create space off the dribble-a critical skill for any lead guard trying to thrive in isolation-heavy late-game scenarios.
But this version of George? He’s getting to his spots with confidence, creating separation with ease, and finishing with authority.
It’s clear the offseason work paid off, and it’s transforming him into a legitimate go-to option in crunch time.
While George lit up the scoreboard, it was Jusuf Nurkic who orchestrated the offense with veteran poise. Going up against former Jazz big man Rudy Gobert, Nurkic delivered his second career triple-double: 16 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists. That kind of stat line doesn’t just happen-it’s a reflection of how central Nurkic has become to Utah’s offensive flow.
Sure, Nurkic isn’t the defensive anchor he once was. He’s lost a step on that end, no question.
But offensively, he’s still one of the most versatile big men in the league. Whether it’s handoffs at the top of the key, backdoor dimes, or setting bone-crushing screens, Nurkic is the engine behind a lot of what the Jazz do well.
He leads the league in screen assists at 4.6 per game, and it shows-Utah’s offense just looks more organized when he’s facilitating.
The youth movement didn’t disappoint either. Isaiah Collier turned in one of the most well-rounded performances of his young career, finishing with 18 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds. He played with poise, controlling the tempo and making smart reads throughout the night.
And then there’s Ace Bailey. The rookie continues to flash star potential, putting up 20 points and four rebounds, including a highlight-reel dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. Every game, Bailey seems to add another layer to his game-and another reason for Jazz fans to be excited about the future.
Now, for those keeping tabs on the draft lottery, this win might feel like a step in the wrong direction. But in reality, the Jazz have already created some space between themselves and Dallas in the standings, so this one likely won’t move the needle much in terms of draft odds.
What it does show is that this team, even without its best player, is starting to figure some things out. They’ve got a mix of young talent finding their rhythm, a veteran big man anchoring the offense, and a rising star in Keyonte George who’s starting to look like the real deal.
Next up, the Jazz will host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. If this game was any indication, they’re not just playing out the string-they’re building something.