The Utah Jazz lost to the Dallas Mavericks 110-102 to begin the 2024–25 season, their third straight defeat.
The Jazz were led by 23 points after an effective 9–11 shooting effort by Collin Sexton. In addition, Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 23 points.
Taylor Hendricks’ Leg Injury changes the Jazz season
When Taylor Hendricks sustained a terrible leg injury halfway through the third quarter, the Jazz season took a turn for the worst.
According to the team, the second-year forward has a dislocated ankle and a fractured right fibula. More information will be provided soon.
It seems that Taylor Hendricks’ left leg slipped on the court as he was sprinting down the floor, trapping his right leg beneath his body weight.
The injury shook the Jazz bench, and as Hendricks was carried off the floor on a stretcher, several players started crying.
“That’s hard to stomach,” Hardy remarked, his eyes welling up with tears. He’s a wonderful child who has worked extremely hard, so we’re simply trying to keep him happy while he starts the healing process and concentrate on his health. Sports have bad times like these. He deserves an opportunity because he has worked hard.
Hours earlier, Hardy had been answering questions concerning Hendricks’ defensive prowess, offensive growth, and confidence following a demanding summer.
After being selected ninth overall by the Jazz in the 2023 NBA Draft, Taylor Hendricks played a significant portion of his rookie season with the SLC Stars in the G League. Hendricks began receiving consistent rotation minutes with the Jazz after the trade deadline, and despite occasional displays of his innate skills on the court, it was evident that his lack of strength was holding him back.
Taylor Hendricks gained 17 pounds of muscle during the offseason and worked with the Jazz’s development department in Utah for almost the whole summer. It became clear that the effort was paying off during the preseason, summer league, and the first few games of this season.
George, who was selected 16th overall by the Jazz in the same draft as Hendricks, stated that the two had worked out extensively this summer, discussing the games they would play this season, how they would advance together this season, and how they would contribute to the development of a youthful and fundamental core for this Jazz squad. George stated that those were the thoughts he was having while he watched from the bench on Monday night while crying.
With tears in his eyes, George remarked, “I was trying to hold myself together, but it’s bigger than just basketball.” We discuss topics other than basketball when I visit him every day. It just made me feel emotional because I know that he felt the same way about me when I went down (with an ankle injury). Only my brother does that. Growing up, I didn’t know him, but as we became closer over a year, he became like family. I assured him of my love and my willingness to support him in whatever way he needed.
Jazz’s Main Shotmakers Are Having Trouble
The Jazz had the NBA’s lowest offensive rating going into Monday’s match.
Three of the team’s strongest three-point shooters, Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Jordan Clarkson, have all had trouble shooting the ball this season, and their problems against the Mavericks only got worse.
After Monday’s 4-15 performance, Markkanen is now 17-47 (36 percent) on the season, George is 13-48 (27 percent) following a 6-18 night in Dallas, and Clarkson is 14-37 (37 percent) following a 3-11 performance against the Mavericks.
After Taylor Hendricks was carried off the field, the squad found it hard to focus and try to keep their thoughts on the game, and they didn’t have much time to dwell on their emotions. They have another game at the Delta Center on Tuesday night, and they had to finish the second half against the Mavericks.
There are definitely times after that when I’m not exactly thinking straight if I’m being completely honest. Thus, it must be the same for the players,” Hardy remarked. It’s challenging. It’s quite challenging. I wish I had a solution for the best way to approach things.