The Minnesota Timberwolves ousted the Utah Jazz Saturday night at the Delta Center 119-110. These organizations may possibly be linked for quite a while following a blockbuster trade that sends 3-time DPOY Rudy Gobert from the Jazz to the Wolves. Other players and picks were involved in the deal, but Gobert was the headliner who did not participate in last night's contest.
A clear-cut playoff team defeated the Jazz, but I do not believe that the Timberwolves are a legitimate NBA Championship contender. Sure, guard Antony Edwards is as advertised, and rim protection is present, but the eye test reveals several weaknesses in their overall team game.
The Jazz participated in a back-to-back encounter while fatigue and youth contributed to the loss. Now, let's review some key takeaways from the Jazz-Wolves battle.
Anthony Edwards Balled-Out
The Jazz had no answer for the "Antman" as he scored 31 points, grabbed 10 boards, and dished out five assists in 35 minutes of action. Edwards has been somewhat of a one-man wrecking crew since forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns was lost to injury.
He resembled an MVP candidate last night and canned several game-altering shots throughout the contest. Some of the young Jazz players were caught watching Edwards as he electrified the crowd. This young is well on his way to a Super Max NBA contract.
Mike Conley's Return
Conley's return to the Delta Center was a welcoming sight in his eyes. He played one of his best games this season and seemed to send a subtle message to the Jazz youth by showing he can still produce at a high level.
Conley scored 25 points, made five treys, shot 67% from the field, and registered a +4 game rating. Although he will be remembered as a Memphis Grizzly, last night's performance had him thinking there is no place like home. Conley leadership will help guide his team into the postseason.
Collin Sexton May Be Voted Jazz Team MVP
Sexton is a type of player who is in automatic game time mode. You get the feeling he sleeps, breathes, talks, and walks the game of basketball. His stat line consisted of 22 points and 10 assists in 31 minutes of action. He has experienced roles as a starter as well as a reserve, but the fact remains that he operates consistently.
It's difficult to predict an organization's next move accurately, but Jazz Nation should believe that it is part of the future in Utah. No one else on this roster is as determined as Collin Sexton!
The Jazz will run it back against the Wolves on Monday night at the Delta Center. Game time is 7:00 pm MST.
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