Midseason Report: Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh Show Promising Growth
As we reach the midpoint of the NBA season, it’s time to take a closer look at the Utah Jazz’s second-year players, Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh. Both have shown significant development in their sophomore campaigns, offering hope for the future of the franchise.
Keyonte George’s Journey
George’s season started on a rough note, with a historically poor shooting stretch in his first nine games. However, he’s since turned things around dramatically. In his last 18 games, George has been shooting 43% from the field and 38% from three-point range, a marked improvement from his early-season struggles.
One of the most notable developments in George’s game is his newfound calmness on the court. He’s no longer forcing himself into plays, instead allowing the game to come to him naturally. This maturity has led to more efficient decision-making and better overall play.
George has also made significant strides in his finishing at the rim. He’s jumped from the 35th percentile to the 82nd percentile in this area, showcasing improved touch and decision-making near the basket.
Brice Sensabaugh: The Feel-Good Story
Sensabaugh has emerged as one of the feel-good stories of the Jazz’s season. His shooting percentages have skyrocketed, with his field goal percentage jumping from 39% to 48% and his three-point shooting improving from 29.6% to an impressive 41.7%.
The key to Sensabaugh’s improvement lies in the work he put in during the offseason. He focused on improving his footwork, allowing him to get his shot off faster and more efficiently. This adjustment has paid dividends, turning him into a legitimate NBA-level shooter.
Room for Growth
While both players have shown significant improvement, there are still areas for growth. George needs to work on reducing his turnovers and improving his off-the-dribble three-point shooting. Sensabaugh, meanwhile, could benefit from improving his decision-making speed and reducing his turnover rate.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Jazz’s young talent, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
• Points gained: A surprising player tops the list as the NBA’s most impactful offensive player
• Analysis of the Jazz’s offensive efficiency using the points gained metric
