Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
- The Utah Jazz debuted their youngest lineup in a 130-110 loss to the LA Clippers.
- Coach Will Hardy emphasized the importance of young players gaining real-time experience together.
- Despite the loss, the Jazz's rookies and sophomores showed promising development and teamwork.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — It would be difficult to find a younger lineup in the NBA this season than the one the Utah Jazz rolled out to start the fourth quarter Saturday in a 130-110 loss to the LA Clippers.
With the game still very much in the balance, Jazz coach Will Hardy started the final frame with Isaiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski, Cody Williams, Brice Sensabaugh and Keyonte George.
That's three rookies and two sophomores against a Clippers lineup that featured Kawhi Leanard, Norman Powell and an old Jazz friend in Kris Dunn. Sensabaugh was the oldest player for the Jazz at the tender age of 21 years, three months, and nine days.
So, yeah, you could say there was just a bit of an experience gap on Saturday.
Yet, for the nearly three minutes the lineup was together, the Jazz actually outscored LA by 2 points, cutting an 8-point deficit to 6.
"We always mention how important it is to be in those situations together," Sensabaugh said. "Instead of watching them actually being out there in real time. So I think it's important for all of us, and it's always fun."
Williams hit a short push shot, Sensanbaugh got a layup, and Collier found George for a 3-pointer. It was like all the practice sessions together over the course of the season were playing out in an NBA game.
"The young guys are always the first ones in the gym doing extra stuff," Sensabaugh said. "So just to be out there, doing the same stuff that we're doing together in the morning, is pretty cool."
It might not be a sign of a permanent turn to the youth for the Jazz, but other opportunities should be on the horizon.
The Jazz were without John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler on Saturday. No, the injury report won't always be that long, but Utah has shown over the last two seasons it isn't afraid to strategically rest players at the end of the season. This one should be no different.
That'll open up more and more chances for the young players not only to play, but to play together.
"It's always fun," said Williams, who returned after missing nine games with a sprained ankle. "We're familiar with each other. We practice with each other, play with each other every day. So I think it is unique. ... I think whenever we get those moments, just to take advantage of them, play as hard as we can."
Hardy admitted he coached a little differently when they were on the floor together. He intentionally backed his communication down because he wanted the young players to figure things out themselves.
The Jazz coach thought they did a pretty good job of doing that, too.
"There's a bad pass here, there's a missed shot there, but they've been working hard together as a group on the court, in the weight room, in the film room — they do extra film sessions together," Hardy said. "It's fun to see the bond that they're forming."
And that bond has allowed them to grow together as players.
"My favorite part is that they're showing the ability to disagree and get on each other and not have a turn to fight," Hardy said. "It's healthy. That's part of team sports, and I love seeing them able to be very honest with each other in the game, in those moments, and then move on."
Now, that wasn't enough to pull off a win against a Clippers team trying to climb up the standings. And, to be frank, the youth was a big reason for that.
George had 21 points and four assists, but the Jazz were outscored by 39 points in his 33 minutes — an eye-popping number.
It's safe to say the other 15 minutes went pretty well for the Jazz, but that's part of growing pains — or what Utah hopes will only be growing pains. To be fair, Collier (+1) Sensabaugh (even) and Filipowki (even) saw much more success during their time on the court.
Collier had 5 points and nine assists and Filipwoski added 13 points and eight rebounds, as both continue to look comfortable in expanded roles.
This season, though, the final result often takes a backseat to youth development. And for the group of rookies and sophomores, Saturday made for a memorable night. For the first time this season, those five shared the court at the same time; they're hopeful it won't be the last.
"It's definitely a special (bond) that we all have together," Sensabaugh said.
