Keyonte George's 30-point night gives Jazz hope after forgettable game in OKC

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

OKLAHOMA CITY — It's common for Jazz coach Will Hardy's phone to brighten up at night with a message from rookie point guard Keyonte George.

The context is usually the same: George had just seen something from another NBA game — a play, a pass, anything really — and he wants to get Hardy's thoughts.

"He's a basketball junkie," Hardy said. "I think it's why he's shown the learning curve that he has so far."

George showed it again Monday.

The Utah Jazz would like to forget most of what happened in Oklahoma City Monday since the Jazz were down by 38 points before a late rally made the game seem closer in a 134-120 loss to the Thunder.

"No one likes to get blasted like that," George said. "I know I didn't want to."

However, George left Paycom Center with a few happy memories; Monday was his first 30-point game of his young career.

"Keyonte is getting better and better," Hardy said. "We're encouraging him to be more aggressive looking for his own shot. I think tonight was a good example of that. He's got a ton of ability. He can shoot off the dribble, he can get in the paint, he's a good passer, he's got a good feel."

George shot 10-of-17 from the field and went 5-of-9 from the 3-point line, and also added seven assists in what was one of his most efficient games as a pro.

He scored 11 points in the second quarter to help the Jazz keep within arm's length going into the half, and had 17 points in the fourth quarter to lead Utah's late rally. He was shooting 34% from the field and 30% from 3-point range entering Monday's game.

It didn't hurt that he did that against fellow rookie and childhood best friend Cason Wallace.

"Tonight is, obviously, good for his mentality," Hardy said. "Because he's now seen himself do it."

The Jazz are now hoping he can do it over and over again.

"We want him to be a guy that was able to play at this level every night," Hardy said. "What he's hunting is the consistency piece."

Finding that level consistently would help the Jazz at least start to right the ship. Utah has now lost three in a row and five of its last six contests.

"I feel like I'm in rhythm," George said. "Now it's just about getting the team in rhythm and guys back on track. I think we'll be all right."

Getting All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, who hasn't played since Nov. 22, back will help, but the Jazz are also relying on George — and his continued growth — to turn things around.

"We're heavily invested in his development, and he's putting the work in and he's seeing the results," Hardy said.