Jusuf Nurkic Makes Jazz History Despite Blowout Loss To Miami Heat

The Miami Heat and Utah Jazz squared off at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, January 24, 2026, in a matchup that saw both teams looking to reverse recent struggles. The Heat, entering the contest with a 23-22 record, were hoping to bounce back after a tough loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Jazz, sitting at 15-30, aimed to find consistency amidst a challenging homestand.

Miami came into the game having lost six of their last nine, and with a 1-2 record so far on their five-game West Coast swing. Their most recent outing was a 127-110 defeat at the hands of Portland, a game where Bam Adebayo shined with 32 points—his second 30-plus point performance in four games—but the Heat’s defense faltered against a red-hot Blazers squad that hit 20 three-pointers.

The Jazz, meanwhile, were reeling after dropping five of their last six games, their defense allowing an average of 103.4 points over the previous eight contests. Utah had shown flashes of offensive brilliance earlier in the week, toppling the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-122 behind Keyonte George’s explosive 43-point effort and rookie Ace Bailey’s 20 points. However, inconsistency reared its head again in a 126-109 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, despite Bailey and George combining for 48 points.

Both teams were dealing with significant injury woes. The Heat were without Tyler Herro (ribs), Terry Rozier (not with team), Kel’el Ware (hamstring), and Davion Mitchell (shoulder). For Utah, Lauri Markkanen (reconditioning), Walker Kessler (shoulder), Kevin Love (knee), Georges Niang (foot), and Elijah Harkless (G League two-way) were all unavailable. Notably, Jusuf Nurkic, listed as doubtful with illness, suited up for Utah and delivered a historic performance.

The game tipped off at 9:30 PM Eastern and was broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Sun and KJZZ-TV, with streaming available through NBA League Pass. Fans in Salt Lake City also had the chance to catch the action over the air, as KJZZ continues to be a staple for Jazz coverage.

Before the opening whistle, the Delta Center paused for a moment of silence in memory of Gary Briggs, the beloved former Jazz athletic trainer who passed away earlier in the week. The tribute set a somber but respectful tone for the evening.

From the outset, the Jazz looked energized. Jusuf Nurkic scored or assisted on nine of Utah’s first 13 points, helping the Jazz shoot an impressive 5-for-6 to start. Ace Bailey provided an early spark, leading the team with six points as Utah trailed Miami 27-23 late in the first quarter. The period ended with the Jazz narrowly behind, 35-34, having shot 14-of-25 from the field—a promising sign for a team seeking to snap out of its funk.

But the second quarter proved disastrous for Utah. Miami’s relentless effort on the boards became the story, as the Heat racked up 18 offensive rebounds midway through the period and built a 30-10 advantage on the glass. “It’s amazing this game is as close as it is considering the Heat are getting (at least) a second chance every trip of the floor,” noted Ben Anderson of KSL Sports. By halftime, Miami had outscored Utah 38-18 in the quarter to take a commanding 73-52 lead.

The Jazz’s defensive struggles were compounded by cold shooting from beyond the arc. Brice Sensabaugh, who would finish as Utah’s top scorer with 23 points, was the only player able to consistently connect from downtown. Keyonte George chipped in 19, but the team as a whole couldn’t keep pace with Miami’s offensive firepower.

In the third quarter, the Heat’s dominance continued. By the midway point, Miami led 90-68 and had out-rebounded Utah 45-16. Sensabaugh got hot, bringing his total to 18 points by the end of the period, but the Jazz still trailed 108-89 heading into the final frame. Ace Bailey, despite appearing to be bothered by a leg issue, continued to impress with his off-ball movement and timely cuts for easy baskets. Cody Williams also provided defensive highlights, racking up three blocks in a gritty effort.

The fourth quarter saw little change in momentum. Miami’s balanced attack and control of the boards kept the Jazz at bay, and the Heat ultimately cruised to a 147-116 victory. The final margin underscored Miami’s dominance in nearly every facet, from rebounding to second-chance points. For the Heat, the win marked an emphatic response after their recent struggles and improved their road trip record to 2-2.

Yet, for Utah, the night was not without a silver lining. Jusuf Nurkic made franchise history by recording his third consecutive triple-double—an unprecedented feat for the Jazz. With 17 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, Nurkic not only became the first Jazz player to notch three straight triple-doubles, but also tied Karl Malone and Andrei Kirilenko for third-most triple-doubles in franchise history. “That’s three straight triple-doubles for Jusuf Nurkic. That’s the longest streak in Utah Jazz history, and he’s now tied with Karl Malone and Andrei Kirilenko for third-most for the franchise,” reported KSL Sports.

Despite the lopsided score, Utah’s young core continued to show flashes of promise. Sensabaugh’s shooting, George’s playmaking, and Bailey’s athleticism provided reasons for optimism as the Jazz prepare to play three more home games in the next six days before embarking on a lengthy road trip. The team’s lack of defensive cohesion and inconsistent perimeter shooting remain concerns, but the development of their young players and Nurkic’s leadership offer hope for the future.

For Miami, Bam Adebayo’s recent scoring surge—highlighted by his 32-point effort in Portland—remained a focal point, though the Heat’s victory over Utah was built on collective effort and relentless rebounding. The Heat’s ability to dominate the glass, exploit mismatches, and maintain energy throughout four quarters proved decisive.

Looking ahead, both teams will need to address their respective weaknesses if they hope to climb the standings. The Heat, now 24-22, will seek to build on this momentum as they wrap up their road trip. The Jazz, at 15-31, will focus on tightening their defense and finding more reliable offensive contributions outside their stars.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Miami Heat walked away with a convincing win, but the night belonged to Jusuf Nurkic, whose record-setting triple-double streak provided a bright spot for Jazz fans. The homestand continues for Utah, and with their young talent developing, there’s still plenty to watch for in Salt Lake City as the NBA season rolls on.