SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz, propelled by outstanding performances from Collin Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker, triumphed over the Brooklyn Nets with a convincing 125-108 victory on Monday night. Both Sexton and Horton-Tucker scored 27 points each, guiding the Jazz to their third win in four games.
Sexton continued his scoring streak, posting his fifth consecutive 20-point game. Horton-Tucker, in addition to his scoring prowess, also contributed a team-high six assists. The Jazz were further bolstered by Lauri Markkanen’s double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Walker Kessler’s notable presence in the paint with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks.
For the Nets, Cam Thomas led the scoring with 32 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie added a well-rounded performance of 17 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. This loss ended Brooklyn’s three-game winning streak against Utah.
The game remained closely contested throughout, with Brooklyn not trailing in the second quarter and maintaining a lead for much of the third. However, the Nets struggled to create a significant lead, never extending beyond a seven-point advantage.
Utah’s pivotal moment came late in the third quarter with a 15-2 run, which shifted the momentum in their favor, leading to an 88-80 advantage. This surge was fueled by Sexton, John Collins, and Markkanen, who hit crucial 3-pointers on successive possessions.
The Nets attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 108-101 following consecutive three-pointers by Thomas. Nevertheless, the Jazz’s resilience was evident as they scored on five straight possessions, effectively halting Brooklyn’s rally. Horton-Tucker played a key role, scoring consecutive baskets and assisting Kessler for an alley-oop dunk.
Kessler’s dunk initiated a decisive 12-0 run for Utah, extending their lead to 120-101 with just over two minutes remaining. The Jazz’s sharpshooting, especially in the second half where they shot 10-of-16 from beyond the arc, was a significant factor in their victory.
Looking forward, the Nets will face a challenge against the Knicks on Wednesday, while the Jazz are set to take on the Cavaliers the same day.
