John Collins

It was of great irony that, even when the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns found ways to contain one another during a combined 270-point shootout, examples of lockdown defense were promptly followed by offensive fireworks. Seconds removed from helping his team cross the 40-point barrier just moments into the second period, John Collins adjusts his focus to the floor’s less glamorous side, interrupting Phoenix’s program by undercutting Monte Morris’ ill-advised pass. Finding no opponent giving reasonable chase in transition — assuming it would matter anyways — Utah’s high-soaring 6-foot-9 forward turns on the A/C at Delta Center, ascending his way into a smooth windmill flush. The high-powered Suns would ultimately wise up, pulling away late to secure December 13, 2024’s victory. Collins’ versatile impact, though, was felt nonetheless, as he starred through 22 points (on 8-of-12 shooting), six rebounds, six assists, two steals, two blocks, and four 3-pointers across 35 productive minutes.