David Locke here, the host of the daily Locked On Jazz podcast, with your daily Locked On Jazz newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Jazz and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
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
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
Replay The Utah Jazz faced a tough challenge in their national TV game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite their efforts, the Jazz couldn’t secure a victory. Game highlights capture the key moments of the match. (SLCDunk)
Trade With trade restrictions lifted, stars like Tyrese Maxey and OG Anunoby are now available for potential deals. This development may influence the Utah Jazz’s strategic plans. Explore the possibilities for the Jazz in the trade market.
Rumor Recent Lakers trade targets and Warriors rumors could have ripple effects across the league, including potential implications for the Jazz. Dive into the rumors and see how they might impact Utah.
Preview The Hornets will compete against the Jazz at the Delta Center at 9:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
3peat (ICYMI)
TRADE REACTION - Did Utah Jazz get best asset available at the trade deadline
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, explores the potential impact of the Utah Jazz’s recent trade acquisition: an unprotected 2031 Phoenix Suns first-round pick. He analyzes the value of this asset, comparing it to other potential trades at the deadline and discussing the Jazz’s strategy in accumulating future draft capital. Locke breaks down the complexities of Phoenix’s draft situation and the challenges they may face in rebuilding their roster under current NBA rules.
TRADE REACTION: Utah Jazz trade 3 first rounders for 1 first rounder. Does this make sense?
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down the Utah Jazz’s recent trade with the Phoenix Suns. The Jazz traded their lesser first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029 for an unprotected 2031 Phoenix pick. Locke analyzes the trade’s value using his pick valuation system, revealing potential risks and rewards for both teams.
#askloj - NBA trade market insights: How it impacts the Utah Jazz
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, explores the dynamic trade landscape surrounding the Utah Jazz. He analyzes potential moves involving key players like John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson, while highlighting the development of young talents such as Keyonte George. Locke offers a unique perspective on the trade market, suggesting that numerous quality players are available, but none significantly outshine the others.
