Three missing starters leave Jazz short-handed as Spurs take OT win

The Utah Jazz lost three starting big men on Wednesday night, a depth issue that proved decisive in a 117-111 overtime defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits out with a torn MCL in his right knee, Lauri Markkanen is nursing a right wrist sprain, and Jusuf Nurkic has not played this season due to a foot injury.

Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 36 points and 14 rebounds. He scored 21 points in the first half, but the Spurs trailed 55-51 at the break. Devin Vassell provided a late-game surge, scoring 17 of his 21 total points after halftime to keep San Antonio within striking distance.

Utah’s offense relied heavily on Keyonte George, who posted a season-high 31 points. Ace Bailey added 19 points, and rookie Darryn Peterson contributed 18. Peterson did not play down the stretch or in overtime. Brice Sensabaugh scored 16 points and opened the extra period with a three-pointer.

The Spurs responded to Sensabaugh’s bucket with a 12-0 run to close the game. San Antonio’s defensive pressure forced the Jazz into desperate shots near the shot clock. The visitors caused four turnovers in overtime and held Utah to just two made shots on seven attempts.

The game went to overtime after Brice Sensabaugh and Keyonte George scored back-to-back baskets with the Jazz trailing 105-100. The Spurs missed their last four field goal attempts in regulation, including a buzzer-beater from De’Aaron Fox. The win marks San Antonio’s third consecutive victory, improving their record to 3-2. Utah falls to 1-4.

Tobias Harris remains sidelined for San Antonio with a strained calf. The Spurs will host Minnesota on Saturday, while the Jazz welcome Portland the same day.