Sports
Jazz End Eight-Game Skid with 113-99 Win Over Magic
SALT LAKE CITY — Collin Sexton scored 22 points and added 19 to help the Utah Jazz snap an eight-game losing streak with a 113-99 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night at the Delta Center.
Sexton also dished out seven assists for the Jazz, who won at home for just the fourth time this season. Walker Kessler grabbed 15 rebounds, while John Collins contributed 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. The Jazz dominated early, outscoring the Magic 16-0 in the paint during the first quarter.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 37 points, including a career-high 18 free throws, but struggled from the field, shooting just 4 of 19. Franz Wagner added 23 points for the Magic, who have now lost six straight road games and eight of their last nine overall.
Orlando briefly cut a double-digit deficit to 39-35 early in the second quarter behind three straight baskets from Banchero, Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. However, Utah pulled away for good before halftime. Sexton fueled a 15-3 run with a pair of layups and four free throws, extending the Jazz lead to 54-38.
Utah maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half. Collins, playing in just his fourth game since December, was efficient on offense, shooting 56% or better from the field in three of those contests.
Key moments included Utah scoring seven baskets over eight possessions to open a 24-11 lead late in the first quarter, with Collins contributing a pair of dunks and a three-point play.
Both teams return to action on Monday night. Orlando will face the Golden State Warriors, while Utah hosts the Indiana Pacers.