Utah Jazz Ends 10-Game Losing Streak, Beats Wizards 128-112

The Utah Jazz recently ended a ten-game losing streak by defeating the Washington Wizards 128-112, despite the absence of star player Lauri Markkanen, who missed the game for personal reasons. The Jazz currently hold the worst record in the NBA, with only 16 wins this season, while the Wizards have shown improvement with a 5-5 record in their last ten games. Markkanen's absence has raised questions about the team's strategy, as they seem to perform better without him, holding a worse record when he plays compared to when he sits out. The Jazz were fined $100,000 for resting Markkanen in a prior game, reflecting ongoing concerns about his health and the team's focus on securing a favorable position in the upcoming draft. With Markkanen's inconsistent performance and health issues, the Jazz are navigating a challenging season while aiming for a rebuild. Walker Kessler was upgraded to available for the game against the Wizards, providing some depth for the struggling team.