The Utah Jazz did not get the win against the Orlando Magic. It goes without saying that it was in their best interest to lose. However, today also marked the debut of prized addition Jaren Jackson Jr. It didn’t take long for him to make an impression.
You can tell that Jaren Jackson Jr. fits within the space and concepts of Utah. The second time they run this for him early, he starts at the top and gets a back screen. Magic switch, Jazz goes straight to JJJ in the post. pic.twitter.com/o3n2DaQvxE
— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) February 8, 2026
Don’t be fooled by the final score. The Jazz controlled this game from start to finish of the third quarter, leading by as much as 17 at one point before resting most of their starters in the fourth. They also sent a message to the NBA: they’ll come next season.
JJJ seems to fit into this team seamlessly and does exactly what Utah expects him to do: make threes, block shots and give the team the energy they need to win games. Granted, they’re not winning right now, but the Jazz are making it clear in their playoff games that teams better be prepared for whatever hurricane comes their way next season.
He is not alone in that respect. Lauri Markkanen looked like Lauri Markkanen, scoring as many points as minutes played at 27. Isaiah Collier continues to look like the Jazz bet by Walter Clayton Jr. to trade instead of him, with a double-double of 20 points and 10 assists.
This Jazz team has all the makings of a playoff contender held back only by the prospect of adding another gold draft prospect.
Imagine adding that and Walker Kessler to this team
The overall goal of games like this is not to look at the final score, but at the one at the end of the third quarter: 94-77. Utah was rolling, and if they had kept it up, they would have pulled off an impressive win over Orlando no questions asked.
Now imagine adding Kessler to this team with a clean bill of health, along with another lottery pick. The Jazz’s future is almost certain for the next six to eight years, and possibly longer as Markkanen ages. There’s so much to like about this team right now.
That was there before, but the addition of Jackson all but seals it for Utah. This upcoming era of Jazz basketball will be one of the most fun we’ve seen from them since possibly the Karl Malone-John Stockton days.
It’s a bit demoralizing that not only did they not get the win, but they went out of their way to make sure they didn’t. However, we must not forget that this is part of refueling, and in April it will all be over.
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