Isaiah Collier makes NBA history with staggering assist total against Pacers
The The Utah Jazz have every incentive in the world to try and lose some games, as they will walk away from their first-round pick against the Oklahoma City Thunder if their 2026 NBA draft pick falls outside the top eight. But it doesn’t look like anyone gave Isaiah Collier a memo.
With the Jazz having a depleted roster after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. in the blockbuster and amid the absences of Keyonta George and Jusuf Nurkic, among others, head coach Will Hardy used Isaiah Collier for the entire game, playing all 2,880 seconds of playing time in their narrow 131-122 Indians win. And Collier, to his credit, responded with the best game of his young career thus far.
Collier had 17 points, 22 assists and three steals while defending the Pacers. He may have been the only point guard active for Utah that night, but he still made the most of his opportunity.
At the same time, he became the youngest player ever to dish out at least 22 assists in a single game and became just the first Jazz player to record at least 15 points and 20 assists in a single game since Deron Williams accomplished the feat in 2008, according to ESPN.
Is Jazz ready to take the next step in its ascent?
Adding Jackson in a blockbuster trade signals the Jazz’s intent to compete going forward. The frontcourt core of Lauri Markkanen, Jackson and Walker Kessler is a good starting point for them, while George’s rise to fringe All-Star talent means something is brewing in Salt Lake City.
Add in the fact that young players like Collier, Kyle Filipovski and Brice Sensabaugh are improving, The Jazz may be ready to compete for the smallest place in next year’s tournament.
2026-02-04 04:14:00
