It's not easy to win in the NBA. It's even harder to win on the road.
So when the Jazz took a 12-point lead with five minutes to play, they knew it wasn't going to be smooth sailing to the finish. Next thing they knew, Tyrese Haliburton caught fire, and Utah's lead was down to two with two minutes to go.
The good thing for the Jazz is they've been in this situation for most of the season β and they played it like it in the end. Utah shot a perfect 6-for-6 from the line and held on for the 123-117 victory over Indiana on Monday night.
"Road wins are always nice. β¦ I think it was a good bounce back for us to be able to execute in the fourth quarter and come out with a win," head coach Will Hardy said. "Guys made some big plays down the stretch, which is what has to happen to win a close game in the NBA. I think our team maintained our composure and understanding of what was working for us. It enabled us to come out with a win."
Here are five things to know following the win:
1.) Clarkson Blows Up In The Second Half
Despite entering Monday amidst the best statistical season of his career, Clarkson had struggled shooting the ball over the past week. While numerous things were going on off the court that could've easily affected his focus, Clarkson refused to make any excuse.
If the Jazz were going to reach their goal of making the postseason, he would have to be better β and more efficient. Mission accomplished.
Clarkson took over in the second half en route to finishing with 29 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including a stellar 6-of-8 from deep. While he added three assists, he seized the moment when the Jazz needed him most, making Monday night special.
"It was just staying level, things are going to happen in the game," Clarkson said. "I stuck with it. β¦ We kept moving the ball, we kept playing the right away, I think that was the most important thing for us. I'm very confident in our fourth quarter effort. ... I think we are going to be alright."
"Jordan was in the zone tonight," Hardy added. "I wish I could take credit for any of that."
2.) Breaking A Slump
For one of the better shooting teams in the league, the last week had to feel as strange as it gets. Over the past five games, the Jazz were shooting 27.9% (46-for-165) from three-point territory β nearly 10 percentage points lower than their season average.
After another difficult first half in which the Jazz were 4-for-15 from deep, it looked like Monday night was going to be another brutal showing from beyond the arc. However, that's why they play two halves.
Led by Clarkson and Kelly Olynyk (4-of-4 from deep), Utah shot 11-for-18 from deep and scored 70 points in the final 24 minutes. Four different players knocked down at least two threes in the game.
3.) Markkanen Comes Up Clutch⦠On Defense
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
That's the best way to describe what Lauri Markkanen has been doing for most of the season, and Monday was no different.
He finished with his 22nd double-double of the year when he posted 29 points and 11 rebounds, adding two assists as well. Although he's still struggling from three β a rarity this year β Markkanen shot 8-of-11 inside the arc and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line. However, his two three-pointers were momentum swingers in the second half.
Despite the points, Markkanen's best play of the game came when he got switched onto Indiana guard Tyrese Halliburton β who was on a heater at the end. But Markkanen was able to lock him up, forcing a contested three that clanked off the rim, and secured the win.
4.) Depth Steals The Show
For the entire season, Markkanen and Clarkson have clearly been Utah's top two options, each averaging 20+ points per game.
While they were both sensational against the Pacers, it was Utah's depth that stole the show and led to the win.
Collin Sexton continues to thrive in the starting point guard role, finishing with 18 points and six assists. Olynyk added a double-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, while Walker Kessler finished with two blocks. Talen Horton-Tucker ran the second unit well, finishing with seven assists, while rookie Ochai Agbaji chipped in eight points (two threes) and four rebounds.
5.) Wild Wild West
With the All-Star break just days away, one would think that teams would begin separating themselves from one another. Well, half of the teams in the Western Conference haven't gotten the memo.
Only five games separate 10 teams, with the Jazz sitting in the middle of those standings. Phoenix is currently the 4-seed at 31-27, the Lakers are the 13-seed at 26-32, and Utah is in 10th at 29-30.