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Jazz starts on a good collective note

Except surprise, in full period of reconstruction, the Jazz will not have a successful season. Thus, each victory will be to be savored for the Mormons and, that of last night, acquired against the Nuggets, allows to start on a good note.

Against all odds, Utah actually surprised Denver, starting with a bang in the first half (up to +24!) and then not letting go of the controls, despite the attempt to comeback of the Colorado franchise after the break.

The kind of meeting that can only delight the rookie Jazz coach, Will Hardyvictorious from the start as head coach and who was able to rely on an effective collective: seven players with 10 points or more!

« It’s really a great team victory “, he judged after the fact. ” On defense, our ability to be physical and our tenacity, kind of sparked by Jarred Vanderbilt early in the game, was infectious for the whole group. The Nuggets are a very good team, they put a big boost in the second half to get back in the game, but our guys stuck together. »

Jarred Vanderbilt is already imposing

As pointed out by the former Celtics assistant, poached this summer by Danny Ainge to succeed Quin Snyder in Salt Lake City, Jarred Vanderbilt rather seduced for its first appearance in its new colors. Very active in the paint (7 points and 12 rebounds, including 5 offensive, in just 18 minutes!), to the point of being expelled for six faults, the former Wolves soldier made the opposing interiors suffer.

And this is not a first, as Michael Malone recalled in a post-match interview.

« [Jarred Vanderbilt] crushed us last season. We had lost three times to Minnesota and his relentless activity was very important to Wolves. I’m sure he’ll be able to replicate the same in Utah “, explained the technician of the Nuggets, about him.

Then Collin Sexton added, on his new teammate: “ He plays hard and when he’s on the court you can feel his energy and how much he wants it. This is what will help motivate us every day. »

The rookie Kessler and the returning Sexton seen to their advantage

Besides Jarred Vanderbilt, several other Utah players shone last night on opening night. Especially the rookie Walker Kesslerauthor of a nice double-double for his first outing in the NBA (12 points and 10 rebounds, 5/5 on shots).

The main interested party also wanted to give credit to his leader for his good performance.

« Play with mike [Conley] on pick-and-roll is the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my life “, recognized the 22nd choice of the last Draft. ” The way he is patient in these situations and he pushes his defender away… It helped me a lot. He shows me how to hold a certain screen angle, how to help him, how to make other players free. Everyone has been incredibly supportive and encouraging of me on my team. »

Another convincing performance offered by a member of the Jazz: that of Collin Sexton. Back from his meniscus injury, after almost a year of absence, the former rear of the Cavaliers finished with 20 points and 5 rebounds on the clock (in just 21 minutes), coming off the bench. He even allowed himself to chamber Jokic by imitating the bull!

« You could see all the fire he has, especially late in the game, where he made several big plays “, analyzed Will Hardy. ” His work ethic is one of the best I’ve encountered since I’ve been in the NBA. I’m really happy for Collin [Sexton] for his first game here, in front of his home crowd, he was able to pull off some big moves in the hot moments. »

From now on, Utah will try to confirm this great victory tomorrow evening, against the Wolves of a certain… Rudy Gobert.

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