SALT LAKE CITY – Collin Sexton and rookie Keyonte George combined for a potent offensive display to lead the Utah Jazz to a 117-109 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday, halting Miami’s winning streak at four games. Sexton’s 22 points and George’s critical 12 fourth-quarter points were crucial in Utah’s well-fought win.
Sexton, who scored 16 of his points in the first half, emphasized his focus on reading the game and not overthinking his decisions. His performance, combined with George’s clutch shooting, proved too much for the Heat.
Miami, who welcomed back Jimmy Butler after a calf strain, faced a setback as he exited in the third quarter with a foot injury, contributing eight points in 23 minutes. Despite his absence, Bam Adebayo led the Heat with a strong double-double of 28 points and 16 rebounds, and Tyler Herro added 25 points.
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra expressed concerns about the team’s inability to contain Utah’s offense, particularly in the paint, where the Jazz scored 60 points through drives and cuts.
The game remained tightly contested, with neither team leading by more than eight points until a pivotal moment in the fourth quarter. Kelly Olynyk’s score and George’s three-pointer pushed Utah ahead 108-100. Despite Miami cutting the lead to two points, George and Lauri Markkanen sealed the victory with key three-pointers.
Utah coach Will Hardy praised his team’s resilience and ability to find ways to win, even on an off-shooting night. Olynyk played a significant role, contributing 19 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, and highlighted his unique, effective playing style.
The win improved Utah’s record to 14-19, while Miami dropped to 19-13. Adebayo reflected on the Heat’s performance, pointing out the lack of energy and defensive intensity as key areas for improvement.
George, typically less accurate from the perimeter, shone with his best three-point shooting game, sinking five threes. Sexton, who has solidified his role in the starting lineup, is averaging 23.1 points over his last ten games, highlighting the impact of a healthy Jazz rotation.
The Heat, missing key players like Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, and Josh Richardson, recognized the need to strengthen their defense, especially on the road. Herro noted the importance of physicality and disrupting the Jazz’s rhythm to prevent them from gaining confidence.
Upcoming Games
The Miami Heat will look to bounce back as they face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. The Utah Jazz, carrying momentum from this victory, will host the Dallas Mavericks on the same evening, aiming to build on their recent success.
