In a dynamic NBA matchup, the Utah Jazz triumphed over the Miami Heat with a 117-109 victory, halting Miami’s four-game winning streak. Collin Sexton led the charge for Utah, scoring 22 points, while Keyonte George delivered a stellar fourth quarter, contributing 12 of his 21 points to secure the win.
Sexton emphasized his adaptable approach to the game, focusing on making the right plays whether it involved shooting or passing. His performance was particularly notable in the first half, where he racked up 16 points.
“Just reading the game. If the game says shoot, then shoot it. If the game says pass, pass it,” Sexton said. “I’m not overthinking.”
The Heat saw the return of Jimmy Butler, who had been sidelined with a calf strain during their recent victories. Unfortunately, Butler encountered a foot injury in the third quarter, limiting his contribution to eight points in 23 minutes.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat Updates
Miami’s offense was spearheaded by Bam Adebayo, who impressively scored 28 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Tyler Herro also played a significant role, adding 25 points to the team’s effort.
“Once you let them play comfortable and play freely, you’re not putting bodies on them,” Herro said. “Then they start playing with more confidence. Then you get a rookie that hits a couple of big shots at the end, and you lose.”
Despite their efforts, Miami’s coach Erik Spoelstra, expressed concern over the team’s inability to effectively defend against Utah’s offensive strategies, particularly their drives and cuts.
“We just never were able to contain them off the bounce, regardless of what the action was,” Spoelstra said. “Sixty in the paint, They did it off drives and cuts against our zone, and it didn’t really matter. They were pretty much living in the paint, and we just could not corral that all game long,”
The game remained closely contested, with Utah finally pulling ahead to a 108-100 lead, thanks to key scores by Kelly Olynyk and George. Despite Miami narrowing the gap, decisive three-pointers from George and Lauri Markkanen sealed the win for Utah.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat Updates
Jazz coach Will Hardy commended his team’s resilience and versatility in securing the victory, even when their shooting was off-mark. Olynyk, known for his unique style of play, contributed 19 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, highlighting the Jazz’s efficient ball handling with 29 assists and only six turnovers.
“There’s a lot of ways to win the game and I’m happy that our team was finding ways to win even when we’re not shooting the ball great,” Hardy said.
The win improved Utah’s record to 14-19, while Miami’s record shifted to 19-13. Adebayo noted the need for increased energy and defensive focus for Miami to succeed in future games.
“Not enough energy. We weren’t really getting into the ball, and we weren’t really getting stops. For us to win games, we got to guard our yard,” Adebayo said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat Updates
George, typically less accurate from the three-point line, had an exceptional game, making five three-pointers. His performance contrasted the rest of the team’s struggles from beyond the arc.
“I started being confident in myself taking those type of shots that you got to take in the flow of the game,” George said. “Got some easy ones, and then getting into fourth, you see a couple go through and the rim looks humongous.”
The Jazz, who had been playing mostly away games, found success on their latest road trip, winning three consecutive games. Sexton, who had transitioned from a bench role to a starter, is averaging 23.1 points over his last 10 games, reflecting his growing impact on the team.
Looking ahead, the Heat face the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Jazz host the Dallas Mavericks in their next games.
