After a strong performance against the New Zealand Breakers, Utah hosts its first NBA opponent of the preseason, welcoming the Houston Rockets to the Delta Center. Last year, Utah finished 12th in the Western Conference with a record of (31-51), and Houston finished 11th in the West Conference with a record of (41-41).

Starting 5 for game two of the preseason against the Houston Rockets.

PG Keyonte George

SG Collin Sexton

SF Lauri Markkanen

PF Taylor Hendricks

C Walker Kessler

First half

It was a tough start in Utah as they struggled to drop anything early. The Rockets took advantage of this and took an early lead of 10-2. But with three minutes left in the first, some life came to Utah as John Collins scored a much-needed three-pointer after the team started 0-7 from downtown. The Jazz began to develop a good defensive streak, making several stops to keep the game within reach. But they still couldn’t find a groove on offense and the first quarter ended with Houston 22, Utah 12. The second quarter was underway and Utah looked lost, the Rockets could do anything they wanted, would it have been the three or simple backdoor buckets. Houston’s big three, Whitmore, Sengun and Green, were simply capable of doing anything. Around the seventh minute, Utah’s offense started to show a little promise with help from Clarkson and Keyonte, Utah got back into the game and offensive rebounds led to second chance points. But the defensive effort continued, and no matter how many goals Utah scored, they simply couldn’t stop anything defensively, and the half ended with Houston 62, Utah 49

Second half

The third quarter began and the pace and ball movement that Utah so desperately needed in the first half began to show signs of success in the second half. More people participated and overall decision-making improved. However, the defensive issues continued to be an issue as Houston simply scored easily and got everything they wanted early on in transition. But basketball is a game of runs and momentum, and midway through the third period, Utah began to feel that. It seemed like everything was clicking at once and every rebound, every loose ball, every foul, every free throw and every block brought out Jazz. As a result, Utah fought back and regained the lead late at 78-77. The third quarter ended with Houston scoring 84 and Utah scoring 88. The fourth quarter began and the pace of the game was immediately high. Hardy left the final quarter to the young players and they didn’t disappoint. Early on, Isaiah Collier was a man on a mission, unafraid of contact and getting bucket after bucket. Secret weapon Johnny Juzang maintained his momentum from the last game with an absolute bombshell from miles away. And Filipowski and Eubanks kept it under control defensively. The game ended in a great comeback win with Houston 113 Utah 122.

Outstanding players

Jordan Clarkson– was a big part of Utah’s comeback today. It will be great to have a vet like him this season. Someone who can steer the ship when no shots are fired and keep us in the game.

Isaiah Collier– is so special, his driving skills were special today. He’s not afraid of anything and I love how he doesn’t shy away from contact and in return got a lot of chances on the line today.

Johnny Juzang– I can’t wait to hear Johnny Juzang’s vocals this season because he’s an absolute badass. The conversation must begin. Give this man a few minutes in the rotation, he deserves it. Not only did he maintain his winning streak from game one, but his improved ball handling and defense looked really good tonight. Great job off season, Johnny!

Kyle Filipowski from the depths! Three 3s in this game, it will be so nice to have a stretch five this season. I liked what I saw from Kyle. His defense was also good in this game and I don’t hate the pairing with Eubanks.

Next game

Who: Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks preseason

When: October 10th, 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Where: American Airlines Center

Watch: Jazz+, KJZZ