NEW YORK (AP) — Lauri Markkanen scored 30 points, and Keyontae George played a crucial role as the Utah Jazz rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 123-110 on Thursday night. Despite trailing by 15 points in the first half, the Jazz dominated the final period with a 42-20 run. Markkanen and George alone nearly matched the Nets’ entire fourth-quarter output, combining for 18 points.
Kyle Filipowski contributed 15 points, and Walter Clayton Jr. helped Utah shoot 63.6% (14 of 22) in the fourth quarter, adding 13 points off the bench. For the Nets, Noah Clowney scored 29 points off the bench, and Ziaire Williams added 23 points, but their two-game winning streak came to an end.
With the game tied 98-98 with 6:29 remaining, George nailed two consecutive three-pointers. Williams responded with a three to narrow the gap to 104-101. On the next possessions, Tyrese Martin committed a turnover, followed by Bryce Sensabaugh’s two successful free throws on a three-point shooting foul, pushing Utah’s lead to 106-101. Filipowski then sank another three-pointer, and Markkanen hit a three off Clowney’s layup with 3:39 left, extending the Jazz’s lead to 112-103.
The Nets rested their top scorer Michael Porter Jr., managing his injury in the second game of the series. Porter, who averages 25.3 points, had previously scored 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Chicago on Wednesday.
Up next, the Jazz will stay in New York to face the Knicks on Friday, while the Nets head to play the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
Fan Take: This game highlights the growing depth and resilience of the Utah Jazz, showcasing their ability to stage big comebacks and rely on contributions beyond just their star players. For basketball fans, it’s exciting to see younger talents stepping up, signaling a bright future for the sport and more competitive matchups ahead.
