Golden State Warriors

Ryan Kostecka

Sometimes you can play poorly and win — and sometimes you can play well and lose.&nbsp;

Unfortunately for Utah, Wednesday night was the latter.&nbsp;

Despite a renewed effort on the defensive end and generating great looks on offense throughout the night, Utah went cold in the final 12 minutes and fell 112-107 to the defending champion Warriors in the second game of three-game road trip.

“It’s important for our guys to understand the result tonight doesn’t reflect the team,” head coach Will Hardy said. “We dug in and competed against a good team in a hard environment to play in. I thought tonight we rose to the occasion and really played a good game with the exception of not making any shots in the fourth.”

Although the Jazz were limited to just 13 points in the fourth quarter, that was nothing except for the fact that the ball refused to go in the hoop. Utah consistently executed on offense and generated good looks, with many of the shots being open — but the ball just wouldn’t go through the hoop.&nbsp;

Despite the low number in the final 12 minutes, Hardy isn’t panicking — and neither are the Jazz. There are going to be nights when it happens, and Wednesday just happened to be one of them.

“I actually thought we got good looks from three, especially in the quarter,” Hardy said. “I thought they approached the fourth quarter the right way. … I thought our guys were levelheaded and tried to execute, we just couldn’t get one to go.”

At this point in the season, what Lauri Markkanen is doing on a game-to-game basis is sensational. The fifth-year player has quickly approached star status with great performances seemingly every night, and Wednesday was more of the same.&nbsp;

Every time the Jazz needed a bucket to fend off the pesky Warriors, it was Markkanen who got the ball. The only difference between now and earlier in the season is that he’s calling for it, understanding that he’s the guy for the Jazz.&nbsp;

He dominated with 29 points on 10-of-22 from the floor and 7-for-13 from deep. He also added a season-high 16 rebounds, recording consecutive double-doubles and his 13th on the season.&nbsp;

With Markkanen going to the bench in third for his regular break, the Jazz needed someone else to step up.&nbsp;

He dropped 11 points in the third, showing his ability to score at any level as the Warriors had no answer for him. He finished with 22 points, his fifth-straight game with 20+ points.&nbsp;

After not being thrilled with Utah’s start two nights ago, Hardy wanted his team to come out more focused and energized — missions accomplished. Utah jumped out to a double-digit lead after one following 14 points from Markkanen, another great start for him.&nbsp;

Trailing by two early, Utah went on a 12-2 run with threes by Markkanen and Mike Conley to lead 20-12. Golden State cut it four, but an 8-2 run, with threes by Clarkson and Malik Beasley, helped give the Jazz a 37-27 advantage after one.&nbsp;

After being hot from deep in the first (7-of-14), the Jazz went cold in the second. The Warriors took advantage as Utah’s 11-point lead completely evaporated over a few minutes.&nbsp;

Leading by 11, Golden State rallied with a 13-2 run as they hit three shots from beyond the arc to tie the game at 54 with just under two minutes left in the half. But as he’s done all season for the Jazz, Markkanen had the answer with five straight, including a three-pointer off a sensational pass from Clarkson with seven seconds left.&nbsp;

The Jazz looked poised to run away with the game, beginning the third on a 7-2 run, but the Warriors refused to go away as Draymond Green and Donte DiVincenzo immediately answered with threes of their own.&nbsp;

After exchange buckets — including five straight possessions of made three-pointers combined — the Jazz gained some separation as a Clarkson bucket gave them a 10-point lead with just over three to go in the third.&nbsp;

Golden State would answer again as Utah led 94-88 heading to the fourth.&nbsp;

Back-to-back threes on Golden State’s first two possessions tied the game at 94 and prompted a Hardy timeout. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker stopped the bleeding, Green drilled a three from the top of the key to give the Warriors their first lead, 97-96, since the opening minutes.&nbsp;

Although Utah answered with a 5-0 run, the late-game drama was just beginning. Golden State responded with a 10-0 run of their own to lead by six with just under five to play, prompting another Hardy timeout.&nbsp;

Another 5-0 run by Utah made it a one-point game, but Jordan Poole answered with a quick bucket as Utah trailed by three with just under a minute to play.&nbsp;

The Jazz had a chance to take the lead late, but Clarkson and Kelly Olynyk combined to shoot 1-of-4 from the free throw line, ending their comeback attempt.&nbsp;

Answering the question of sleeves vs. no sleeves — it was again no sleeves — Conley finished with 10 assists in 32 minutes.&nbsp;

Jarred Vanderbilt finished with 10 points and nine rebounds, while Collin Sexton chipped in 11 points and four assists off the bench.&nbsp;

The Jazz will stay in California as they continue the road trip by traveling north to face the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.&nbsp;

“We have a big game against Sacramento to close out this road trip and it’s on us and our staff to close this out the right way,” Hardy said.

dug-in-and-competed-jazz-generate-good-looks-late-just-cant-get-them-to-fall-in-loss-to-golden-state

"Dug In And Competed" | Jazz Generate Good Looks Late, Just Can't Get Them To Fall In Loss To Golden State

Jeremy Rincon

highlights-lauri-markkanen-29-points-16-rebounds-7-3pm

Highlights: Lauri Markkanen – 29 points, 16 rebounds, 7 3PM

highlights-jazz-107-warriors-112

Highlights: Jazz 107 | Warriors 112

Entering Wednesday night's showdown against the defending champions, there's only one question worth asking for Jazz Nation.&nbsp;

It isn't about if the Jazz will shoot better against the Warriors. It isn't about the health of starting forward Kelly Olynyk. It isn't about Lauri Markkanen and his All-Star status or what Jordan Clarkson will wear pregame.&nbsp;

Instead, the focus is on the 16-year point guard and his wardrobe choices.&nbsp;

Will Mike Conley wear sleeves when Utah tips off with Golden State on Wednesday night?

For years, Conley's half-sleeved compression shirt had been a mainstay under his respective uniforms. Initially wearing it due to a shoulder injury suffered long ago, he elected to keep it going until it became a mainstay as part of his game uniform.&nbsp;

But that all changed on Monday night.&nbsp;

Right before tipoff against San Antonio, the veteran removed his warmup shirt and shocked his teammates and Jazz Nation. In what quickly became a trending topic for the team, everyone wondered what happened to the compression shirt? It was nowhere to be found, and instead, Conley displayed off his bare arms — a notion he was alright considering he'd been "working out a bit, lately."

When asked postgame what sparked the change, he noted that he had been watching old highlights of him playing the Spurs and noticed that he wasn't wearing the compression shirt. So why change it up?

"I initially wore it because I hurt my shoulder and then just kept it," Conley said with a smile and a laugh. "It had been a part of me for so long, I knew it would be a big deal. I pulled my shirt off before the game, and all my teammates were like, 'wait a minute? what?' I just kissed my biceps and kept it moving."

Not wearing the shirt apparently worked as Conley broke out of a recent slump to finish with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the floor and 5-for-7 from deep. He also added six assists, five rebounds, and three steals in one of his most complete performances of the season.

Head coach Will Hardy was also asked about the bare-armed Conley and said he jokingly told his veteran point guard that the compression shirt was forever gone following a night like that. But would Conley agree with Hardy, especially after a night in which he tied his season-high in points?

While Conley may still be shirtless under his jersey, the Jazz might be getting more help as Olynyk participated in a scrimmage during practice on Tuesday and could return to the lineup on Wednesday, depending on how he recovered.&nbsp;

His return would be a massive bonus for Utah, as he's been sensational all season. He's been highly reliable as a shooter and floor-spacer (43.0% from deep), another primary ball-handler who can initiate the offense and pass, and a big man who does all the little things on defense.&nbsp;

"I will always credit our team's resilience, another example that we just won't go away. … It's a great opportunity for our team to learn that we have to maintain that focus," Hardy said following Utah's 126-122 loss to San Antonio on Monday.

Golden State (17-18, 14-2 home / No. 10 Western Conference)Offense*116.5 Points Per Game (No. 5 in NBA)*112.6 Offensive Rating (No. 15 in NBA)Defense*117.3 Points Per Game (No. 26 in NBA)*113.4 Defensive Rating (No. 20 in NBA)Individual*Jordan Poole: 19.6 points | 4.4 assists | 31.3% 3P-shooting*Klay Thompson: 18.7 points | 3.8 rebounds | 2.5 assists | 37.5% 3P-shooting*Draymond Green: 8.0 points | 6.7 assists | 6.4 rebounds

KEY MATCHUP*Jordan Clarkson vs. Jordan Poole— Two of the more electric shooting guards in the NBA meet on Wednesday night when Clarkson and Poole square off. Both are capable of getting unbelievably, putting on a show, and leading their teams to victory. They’re also incredible shotmakers, some of the best at making the most out of nothing. Regardless, they’re two of the most exciting players to watch.&nbsp;

BROADCAST INFORMATIONTime:&nbsp;8:00 p.m. MSTLocation: Chase Center |San Francisco, CATV:&nbsp;AT&T SportsNetRadio:&nbsp;The Zone Sports Network

maintain-that-focus-utah-continues-road-trip-against-defending-champion-warriors

"Maintain That Focus" | Utah Continues Road Trip Against Defending Champion Warriors

Head coach Will Hardy knew it wasn’t going to be easy.&nbsp;

Granted, the Warriors were playing without starters Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green — but the Jazz were severely hampered also. Leading scorer Lauri Markkanen and veteran point guard Mike Conley missed Wednesday’s showdown with the defending champs.&nbsp;

In the end, it wasn’t easy — but Utah got the job done.&nbsp;

Thanks to clutch play by Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Simone Fontecchio, the Jazz stunned the defending champs 124-123 on Wednesday night in front of a loud and raucous home crowd.&nbsp;

“I thought our crowd was incredible tonight, especially down the stretch,” Hardy said. “We had a variety of guys step up tonight. I continue to be amazed by our team’s resilience and their willingness to let it rip. … They never flinch in weird moments of the game.”

Here are five things to know following the win:

1.) What. A. Game.The final minute was as dramatic as it gets, with the Jazz overcoming multiple deficits to pull out the win. Tied at 119 following a Jordan Clarkson bucket, the Warriors took a two-point lead with 35.9 seconds left following a Jonathan Kuminga dunk.

Clarkson got entangled with Kuminga on the following possession, resulting in a flagrant two and ejection, while Kuminga and Malik Beasley were assessed technicals. Jordan Poole and Kuminga each knocked down a free throw, making it a four-point game with 13.3 to play.&nbsp;

Alexander-Walker made a great read on offense, finding Beasley for a wide-open three-pointer, making it a one-point game with 7.8 seconds left. Alexander-Walker then stole the ball from Poole on the inbounds pass, leading to a fast break where Beasley found Simone Fontecchio for a dunk and the win.&nbsp;

“A lot of things happened in tonight’s game with guys getting injured and thrown out,” Hardy said. "Obviously, a crazy end to the game. … Ended up having another late-game situation, one we are all too familiar with at this point. They continue to adapt and they do it together. … That’s what’s made Team 49 so fun to this point in the year.”

According to ESPN Stats & Info, Utah was 1-718 when trailing by 4-plus points inside the final 10 seconds of the 4th quarter over the last 25 seasons.

2.) Bravo, SimoFontecchio has played professional basketball since he was 16, yet he never got his chance in the NBA — until this year.&nbsp;

He’s made the most of his time with Utah, emerging as a legitimate three-point threat with good athleticism and acumen for the game.&nbsp;

But with a special group in the crowd, Fontecchio played the best game of his younger career on a night the Jazz needed him most.&nbsp;

With his national team coach in the stands, he provided a huge lift off the bench after scoring a career-high 18 points. He shot 6-of-10 from the floor, 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, and 3-of-5 from the free throw line.

“He comes into work every single day,” Hardy said of Fontecchio. “He’s another guy that never complains or asks for more. We all know that he’s a capable player. … He can really shoot, he’s smart, and he knows what he’s doing. He reads the game really well.”

3.) Starter Kessler?With the Jazz already shorthanded without Markkanen, Hardy elected to start rookie big man Walker Kessler, saying pregame that the team would need his size and length to deal with the physical Warriors rebounders.&nbsp;

Not only did Kessler hold his own against Kevon Looney and Golden State, but he was also downright impressive.&nbsp;

In 24 minutes, he finished with a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds, tying his career-high five blocks. He shot 5-of-6 from the floor and grabbed four offensive boards.&nbsp;

While Hardy admitted that Kessler’s start was nothing more than a matchup scenario, one is left to ponder how bright the future is for the big man out of Auburn.

4.) NAW, He GoodAfter falling in and out of Will Hardy’s rotation, Alexander-Walker was called upon in a massive spot on Wednesday night — and he delivered.

In what were the two most important plays of the game, it was Alexander-Walker who stepped up and made them.&nbsp;

While his steal will go down as one of the best defensive plays of the season, using his quick hands to knock the ball away from Poole and lead to the game-winner, it’s what he did on the previous possession that gave the Jazz a chance.&nbsp;

Up four with 13 seconds to go, the Warriors were more than content to let Alexander-Walker take the open layup as he drove to the hoop. But instead of shooting, Alexander-Walker did what no one expected, passing on the easy two points and finding a wide-open Beasley for the three-pointer — and keeping the Jazz alive.&nbsp;

He finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals, shooting 3-of-4 from three-point territory in 29 minutes.&nbsp;

“Nickeil showed great poise after getting thrown in and closing the game for us,” Hardy said. “He’s been tremendous this year staying ready. His minutes have gone up and down depending on who we are playing. … He never complains, continues to work really hard, and always seems to be ready.”

5.) Injury ReportWhen it comes to injuries and illness, the Jazz have had a rough go of things lately.&nbsp;

Their two most-veteran players in Conley and Rudy Gay have been out for at least 2.5 weeks, leading to some struggles in the clutch as they bring a sense of calm and maturity to the team.

While both of them returned to full-contact practice this week, it was Gay who finally made his return to the court when he finished with nine points and four rebounds in 15 minutes.&nbsp;

Although Conley went through his typical pregame warmup, he was ruled out ahead of time. He could return on Friday when the Jazz welcome Rudy Gobert and Minnesota to Utah.&nbsp;

Markkanen missed Wednesday’s showdown while dealing with an illness of some kind. His availability should be fluid moving forward, but it’s assumed he won’t miss an extended amount of time.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, Collin Sexton — who’s been starting and starring in place of Conley — left in the middle of the fourth quarter and didn’t return. He said postgame that it was a tweak of a hamstring, and his leaving was more precautionary than anything. Hamstrings can be fickle little things, so the Jazz will surely be careful with him moving forward.&nbsp;

a-crazy-end-to-the-game-five-things-to-know-following-utahs-victory-over-golden-state

"A Crazy End To The Game" | Five Things To Know Following Utah's Victory Over Golden State

After falling in and out of Will Hardy’s rotation, Alexander-Walker was called upon in a massive spot on Wednesday night — and he delivered.&nbsp;

Sensational plays by Alexander-Walker on offense and defense on the final two possessions propelled the Jazz to a stunning 124-123 victory over the defending champion Warriors.&nbsp;

“Where to begin,” Hardy said with a chuckle postgame. “Obviously, a crazy end to the game. … Ended up having another late-game situation, one we are all too familiar with at this point. They continue to adapt and they do it together. … That’s what’s made Team 49 so fun to this point in the year.”

The final minute was as dramatic as it gets, with the Jazz overcoming multiple deficits to pull out the win. Tied at 119 following a Jordan Clarkson bucket, the Warriors took a two-point lead with 35.9 seconds left following a Jonathan Kuminga dunk.

“A lot of things happened in tonight’s game with guys getting injured and thrown out,” Hardy said. “We had a variety of guys step up tonight. I continued to be amazed by our team’s resilience and their willingness to let it rip. … They never flinch in weird moments of the game.”

With his national team coach in the stands, Fontecchio put on a show.

He was everything Utah needed and more, providing a huge lift off the bench for the shorthanded Jazz after scoring a career-high 18 points. He shot 6-of-10 from the floor, 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, and 3-of-5 from the free throw line in his best game in the NBA.&nbsp;

Every time the Jazz needed a big bucket, he answered the call.&nbsp;

His two three-pointers in the first half were big, but he saved his best for last. He scored eight points in the fourth quarter, including a punishing dunk with his left hand that ignited the Vivint Arena crowd.&nbsp;

“He’s been a pro since he was 16. … He comes into work every single day,” Hardy said of Fontecchio. “He’s another guy that never complains or asks for more. We all know that he’s a capable player. … He can really shoot, he’s smart, and he knows what he’s doing. He reads the game really well.”

With Lauri Markkanen and Mike Conley out, the Jazz were missing their leading scorer and assists men. Jordan Clarkson filled in admirably, filling up the stat sheet with 22 points and nine assists, both team-highs.&nbsp;

Down two starters, the Jazz went with an entirely different starting five — a group that hadn’t played a minute together all season. That didn’t seem to matter as they jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead, aided by a Beasley three-pointer.&nbsp;

The lead didn’t last as the Warriors — just as shorthanded as Utah — found a rhythm on offense. Jordan Poole caught fire as Golden State reeled off a 16-5 run, taking a seven-point lead.

The Jazz responded with a quick 6-0 run, but Golden State again answered with a 10-4 run as Utah trailed 35-30 after one.&nbsp;

The second quarter was about offense as the teams combined for 70 points in the 12 minutes.&nbsp;

After trailing by five, the Jazz went on a 10-4 run as Clarkson caught fire with six straight points. After exchanging buckets for most of the second, the Warriors had a mini-run and extended their lead to seven — but Utah responded.&nbsp;

Clarkson hit a runner in the lane as the Jazz trailed 69-66 at the break.

Both teams stayed hot on offense coming out of the break, but a three-pointer by Kelly Olynyk gave the Jazz a 73-72 lead, their first since early in the opening quarter.&nbsp;

After another Poole three-pointer made it 78-76 Golden State midway through the quarter, but Utah responded behind the play of Clarkson. He scored eight points as the Jazz reeled off a 19-8 run — eventually leading 100-91 heading to the fourth.&nbsp;

The court quarter saw the roles reversed, with the Warriors constantly staying in touch and never allowing the Jazz to run away with the game.&nbsp;

Utah went cold midway through the quarter, and Golden State took advantage, going on a 17-6 run to lead by two with just over two minutes to play — setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

Seven Jazz finished in double figures, as Beasley dropped 18 points and four threes, while Collin Sexton chipped in 17 points before leaving midway through the fourth with a hamstring injury.

In his first career start, Walker Kessler finished with a double-double of 10 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks, while Olynyk added 15 points. Alexander-Walker added 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.&nbsp;

Utah returns to action on Friday for a big showdown with Minnesota, a game that welcomes back Rudy Gobert to Salt Lake City. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.&nbsp;

they-never-flinch-fontecchio-hits-game-winner-as-utah-stuns-golden-state

"They Never Flinch" | Fontecchio Hits Game-Winner As Utah Stuns Golden State

highlights-simone-fontecchio-18-points-3-rebounds-3-3pm

Highlights: Simone Fontecchio – 18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 3PM

highlights-warriors-123-jazz-124

Highlights: Warriors 123 | Jazz 124

Presented By:

Delta

Salt Lake City Summer League: <a href="https://www.nba.com/jazz/slcsl">Find&nbsp;tickets or watch live!</a>