The Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz are both starting fresh as they meet in Salt Lake City on Tuesday for the first game of the NBA Cup group stage. Although their seasons began on different notes, they both have a clean slate heading into this match.
Last year, in the inaugural NBA Cup (formerly called the NBA In-Season Tournament), the Suns made it to the knockout round after finishing first in their group with a 3-1 record. The Jazz, on the other hand, ended up third in their group with a 2-2 record.
The Jazz had a tough start to the season, losing their first six games, which was their worst start since the 2013-14 season. However, they have turned things around, winning two of their last three games, including a narrow 111-110 victory against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
Collin Sexton scored 23 points in that win, hitting key free throws with just seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Lauri Markkanen also had 20 points in his second game back after recovering from back spasms. Rookie forward Kyle Filipowski contributed with eight points, six assists, and five rebounds in a strong performance. Jazz head coach Will Hardy praised Filipowski for his comfort with the ball and how it opens up more offensive options for the team.
Rookie guard Isaiah Collier also had a solid performance, filling in for the injured Keyonte George, contributing seven points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Meanwhile, Phoenix enters the NBA Cup after a tough 127-118 overtime loss to Sacramento, which ended their seven-game winning streak. The Suns’ stars Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Tyus Jones stepped up in the absence of Kevin Durant, who is out with a left calf strain.
Durant will miss at least two weeks due to the injury. Beal, who is also dealing with an elbow sprain, collided with DeMar DeRozan during the game and had his knee X-rayed afterward, but the results came back negative. Center Jusuf Nurkic also left the game with an ankle injury.
Despite the injuries, the Suns received solid contributions from their bench, including veteran Mason Plumlee, who recorded six points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Josh Okogie also added nine points and five rebounds.
Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized the importance of continued production from the bench, noting how players like Oso Ighodaro and Josh Okogie have stepped up when called upon.
Both teams have faced challenges, but they will be eager to get off to a strong start in the NBA Cup group stage.
