Coming into the game as heavy underdogs — Cleveland opened as 13-point favorites with an over/under around 250 — the Jazz (improving to 14-25) flipped the script against a Cavaliers team (dropping to 22-19) that was riding high after a explosive 146-134 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves just days earlier. This result marks a humiliating home loss for Cleveland at the halfway point of their season and hands the Jazz a much-needed morale boost amid their rebuild.
Keyonte George erupted for a game-high 32 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership for the young Utah squad. The Jazz guard was electric throughout, particularly in the fourth quarter where Utah pulled away decisively. Lauri Markkanen, returning to form after missing their previous blowout loss, contributed significantly with his scoring and rebounding inside, while Jusuf Nurkic (despite injury concerns earlier) and others provided solid support on the boards and in transition.
The game started competitively, with Utah jumping out to an early lead in the first quarter thanks to hot shooting from beyond the arc. Cleveland fought back in the second, outscoring the Jazz 40-20 to take a halftime advantage, but Utah exploded for 36 in the third and 33 in the fourth to seal the deal. Key runs in transition and from deep buried the Cavs, who looked flat and disjointed despite their talent.
This upset is particularly stinging for Cleveland, who were expected to cruise to a comfortable win against one of the league's bottom feeders. The Jazz, fresh off a franchise-worst 55-point home loss to Charlotte (150-95), showed resilience on the road and proved that even in rebuild mode, they can compete when shots fall.
For Utah, the win provides a spark heading into a tough road stretch, while Cleveland must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
A shocking result that no one saw coming — the Jazz just reminded the NBA that anything can happen on any given night!
