Jazz’s Isaiah Collier is playing hero after a gaffe that sent Collin Sexton out

In their thrilling win over the Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz rookie Isaiah Collier was Utah’s unsung hero. Collier finished the game with 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and hit the game-winning shot with seconds remaining in overtime. It was a defining moment for the jazz rookie and a highlight that seems few and far between Team Utah is going through the season. however, Collier had a chance to get the Jazz over the line on the last possession before overtime.

Collier’s theatrics weren’t limited to the game-winning bucket for Utah. In the closing moments of regulation, the jazz novice drew some flack from teammates Collin Sexton. The Jazz had the ball when the score was tied at 102-102. Sexton signaled because he was open in the backfield. However, Collier ignored Sexton’s request and bided his time instead of passing. With plenty of time to play, Collier ultimately failed to pass to Sexton, leading to an 8-second foul.

After the foul, Sexton was livid and heard yelling, “Give me the f—ing ball” to his rookie teammate. Now, in his seventh NBA season, Sexton finally understands what it’s like drove his teammates crazy as a rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Things have been ugly between Jazz teammates Isaiah Collier and Colin Sexton

Unfortunately, things escalated further for Collier, Sexton and Jazz.

Collier and Sexton had a heated exchange during the confusion after the reversal. At its core, Sexton is a competitor. Sexton was determined to win that confrontation right away, showing that he was focused solely on winning. Competition surpasses all players on the field, and they are driven by the desire to win.

So with the seconds ticking away and a chance to win within reach, Sexton thought he could seal the deal against the Nets. It makes sense why Sexton felt that way too. Sexton led the Jazz in scoring during the fourth quarter with six points and was wide open as Collier ignored him.

However, to be fair to Collier, who led Utah in scoring, Sexton was wildly inaccurate against Brooklyn. Sexton connected on eight of his 20 attempts against the Nets, while Collier was 9-16 from the floor. So even though Collier made a rookie mistake with an eight-second foul, not passing Sexton may have been the right choice.

Anyway, Collier righted the rookie mistake by saving Utah in overtime. It’s a step in the right direction for Collier, who could potentially be the franchise’s long-term point guard.