Hours removed from a Cooper Flagg masterclass, everyone knew the drill tonight in Salt Lake City. The Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz, two teams synonymous with the rebuild narrative, aka the “t” word, met for a battle of epic proportions but also made it clear they’d be pulling their punches one way or another even before things tipped off.
Brooklyn’s injury ledger included Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and D’Angelo Russell. Utah’s featured Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Keyonte George, Johnny Juzang, Walker Kessler, Taylor Hendricks, and Jordan Clarkson.
Whether by design or not, they both positioned themselves for a loss and possibly a shot at Flagg, Dylan Harper, or Ace Bailey
Injuries and whatever you want to call that aside, both teams played on regardless.