Utah Jazz 138, Phoenix Suns 134 (OT): Three Key Takeaways from a Thrilling Overtime Showdown

In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Utah Jazz outlasted the Phoenix Suns 138-134 in overtime, delivering one of the most electrifying matchups of the NBA season. This wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. With clutch performances, strategic adjustments, and a never-say-die attitude, both teams showcased why they’re among the league’s elite. But beyond the final score, what made this game a masterclass in modern basketball?

Whether you’re a die-hard Jazz fan, a Suns supporter still processing the loss, or a neutral observer who loves high-stakes hoops, this breakdown dives into the three biggest takeaways from the game. We’ll explore the standout performances, tactical shifts, and moments that defined the outcome—plus what it means for both teams moving forward.

1. Lauri Markkanen’s Two-Way Dominance: The Jazz’s Swiss Army Knife

If there’s one player who’s redefining his role this season, it’s Lauri Markkanen. The 7-foot Fiish forward has evolved from a stretch-four specialist into a two-way force, and this game was his magnum opus. Markkanen dropped 38 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet.

Offensive Versatility: More Than Just a Shooter

Markkanen’s game has always revolved around his silky jump shot, but against the Suns, he showcased a full offensive arsenal:

• Post-Up Game: He exploited mismatches against smaller defenders like Devin Booker, using his height to score over them with turnaround fadeaways.
• Transition Play: Markkanen led multiple fast breaks, pushing the ball himself after defensive rebounds—a rare sight for a player his size.
• Clutch Scoring: He hit back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter to keep the Jazz within striking distance, then sealed the game with a dagger three in OT.

Defensive Anchor: A Newfound Identity

What’s most impressive? Markkanen’s defensive intensity. He held his own against Kevin Durant in key moments, using his length to contest shots without fouling. His 17 rebounds (5 offensive) were crucial in limiting the Suns’ second-chance opportunities—a category Phoenix usually dominates.

Why it matters: Markkanen’s evolution into a two-way star gives the Jazz a matchup nightmare. Teams cao longer treat him as just a floor-spacer; he’s now a primary option on both ends. If he keeps this up, we might be looking at Utah’s first All-NBA selection since Donovan Mitchell.

2. The Suns’ Closing Lineup Dilemma: Where’s the Defense?

The Suns entered this game as favorites, and for three quarters, they looked the part. But when it mattered most, their defensive rotations faltered, and their closing lineup—Booker, Durant, Beal, Okogie, and Nurkić—proved vulnerable.

The Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Liability Trade-Off

Phoenix’s “Big Three” of Booker, Durant, and Beal combined for 89 points, but their defensive shortcomings were exposed in crunch time:

• Switching Issues: The Suns struggled to switch effectively on screens, often leaving Markkanen or Collin Sexton open for threes.
• Rebounding Woes: Nurkić, usually a strong rebounder, was outmuscled by Markkanen and Walker Kessler in key moments.
• Transition Defense: Utah scored 24 fast-break points, many coming off Suns turnovers or missed shots where Phoenix failed to get back.

Frank Vogel’s Tough Choices

Coach Vogel faces a roster construction dilemma:

• Do you bench Bradley Beal in favor of a better defender like Royce O’Neale or Josh Okogie in crunch time?
• Can the Suns afford to play two non-shooters (Nurkić and Durant) together when teams pack the paint?
• Is there a way to hide Beal defensively without sacrificing his playmaking?

Why it matters: The Suns’ championship window is now, but their defensive ceiling might be their undoing. If they can’t figure out a playoff-ready closing lineup, even their offensive firepower won’t be enough against elite Western Conference teams like the Nuggets or Timberwolves.

3. Utah’s Bench Mob: The X-Factor That Won the Game

While the Suns rely heavily on their starters, the Jazz won this game because of their second-unit production. Utah’s bench outscored Phoenix’s 48-21, with Collin Sexton, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Walker Kessler delivering massive performances.

Collin Sexton: The Microwave Scorer

Sexton, who’s had an up-and-down season, exploded for 26 points off the bench, including 4-7 from three. His aggressive drives to the rim forced the Suns’ defense to collapse, creating open shots for teammates. His and-one layup with 1:30 left in OT was the dagger that put Utah up for good.

Talen Horton-Tucker’s Playmaking

THT has been a revelation for the Jazz this season, and his 7 assists in 22 minutes were crucial. He ran the second-unit offense like a veteran point guard, finding Kessler for alley-oops and Markkanen for spot-up threes. His defensive versatility also allowed the Jazz to switch 1-through-4 seamlessly.

Walker Kessler’s Rim Protection

Kessler didn’t stuff the stat sheet (6 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks), but his rim deterrence changed the game. The Suns, who usually feast in the paint, were hesitant to attack with Kessler on the floor. His block on Durant’s layup attempt in the 4th quarter was a momentum-shifter.

Why it matters: Utah’s depth is their biggest advantage in a top-heavy Western Conference. While other teams rely on their stars to play 40+ minutes, the Jazz can wear opponents down with waves of fresh legs. If Sexton and Horton-Tucker keep this up, Utah could be a play-in dark horse with serious upset potential.

Bonus Takeaway: The Overtime Mindset Shift

Overtime games are often decided by mental toughness as much as skill, and the Jazz simply wanted it more. While the Suns looked fatigued and relied on isolation plays, Utah moved the ball crisply (5 assists in OT) and won the hustle plays—diving for loose balls, setting brutal screens, and crashing the offensive glass.

This wasn’t just a win; it was a culture-defining moment for a young Jazz team. If they can carry this grit and confidence into the rest of the season, they might just sneak into the playoffs in a loaded West.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

Utah Jazz: Building Momentum

The Jazz have a favorable schedule ahead, with games against the Spurs, Pistons, and Hornets. If they can string together wins, they could climb into the top 6 in the West. Key focus areas:

• Maintaining benchmark production from Sexton and Horton-Tucker.
• Improving late-game execution (they nearly blew a 6-point lead in the final minute of regulation).
• Getting John Collins more involved—he was strangely quiet (8 points) against the Suns.

Phoenix Suns: Back to the Drawing Board

The Suns have no time to dwell on this loss—they face the Nuggets and Warriors next. Urgent adjustments:

• Finding a defensive identity for their closing lineup.
• Getting Gravesande “Graves” Craig (or another wing defender) more minutes to shore up the perimeter.
• Reducing mid-range jumpers—they settled for too many contested twos instead of threes or paint touches.

Final Thoughts: A Playoff Preview?

This game felt like a playoff preview—intense, physical, and decided by small margins. The Jazz proved they can hang with the NBA’s elite, while the Suns showed that their lack of depth and defensive versatility could be their Achilles’ heel.

For Utah, the question is: Can they sustain this level of play? For Phoenix: Can they fix their flaws before it’s too late?

One thing’s for sure—if these two teams meet in the postseason, we’re in for a classic series.

How to Watch the Next Chapter

Don’t miss the rematches:

• Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns – March 14, 2024 (Away)
• Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz – April 3, 2024 (Home)

Will the Suns exact revenge? Or will the Jazz prove this wasn’t a fluke? Tune in to find out.