Darryn Peterson delivered 21 points Friday in Dallas, marking his highest-scoring performance since entering the NBA with the Utah Jazz, Basket USA reported.
The 19-year-old rookie shot six of 12 from the field, adding five passes, three blocks, and two interceptions during the contest. The outing included a stretch of 12 points that highlighted a growing offensive rhythm for the guard.
Drafté en quatrième position, Peterson a reconnu que ses débuts professionnels ont nécessité des ajustements. His overall shooting percentage sits at 36.9 percent, while his conversion rate from behind the arc reaches 34.1 percent, according to league statistics cited by Basket USA.
« Je me sens un peu plus à l’aise. Je prends mes marques sur le terrain, je m’habitue », Peterson told Basket USA after the game in Dallas. « Je repère mes zones préférentielles, j’identifie les tirs qui me correspondent et ceux que je cherche à obtenir. Je dois continuer à les rechercher et à les rentrer avec un taux de réussite élevé. »
Among players from his draft class, only Cameron Boozer has posted a lower overall shooting efficiency at 33.9 percent. However, unlike Boozer’s situation with the Memphis Grizzlies, Peterson’s offensive struggles coincide with broader team difficulties in Utah.
The Jazz extended their losing streak to seven games following the defeat in Dallas, dropping to a 1-8 record and sharing the Western Conference basement with the Sacramento Kings. Despite social media scrutiny regarding his early shooting struggles, Peterson maintains that external commentary remains irrelevant to his daily routine.
« Je n’y prête même pas attention. Il m’arrive parfois de voir ces publications, mais les avis extérieurs m’indiffèrent totalement », Peterson said, as reported by Basket USA. « Je me concentre uniquement sur mon équipe et sur la volonté de gagner. »
While external criticism is ignored, the rookie actively welcomes demanding oversight from his coaching staff. Having grown up under the supervision of his father, Darryl Peterson, and later playing under Bill Self at Kansas, the teenager is accustomed to strict accountability.
« J’aime qu’on soit exigeant avec moi. Coach Hardy m’avait prévenu qu’il allait me pousser à me dépasser dès mon arrivée », Peterson told Basket USA regarding Jazz head coach Will Hardy. « Je sais que cela me fera progresser sur le long terme et je lui en suis reconnaissant. »
Utah travels to face the Minnesota Wolves next, offering Peterson an immediate opportunity to translate his individual scoring progress into a team victory.
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