John Collins surprises Mikal Bridges with impressive block

On By Littum

SALT LAKE CITY – John Collins got off to a great start in the Utah Jazz’s game against the New York Knicks, scoring 10 early points while shutting down Mikal Bridges with a surprising chase-down block.

Midway through the quarter, the Knicks stole the ball from Collins, leading to what looked like an easy dunk, but the Jazz forward sprinted back down the floor to block Bridge’s attempt.

Collins’ block led to a Lauri Markkanen layup to extend the Jazz’s lead to 11-4

The Jazz have the worst record in the West before hosting the Knicks

The Jazz entered Saturday’s game with a 3-12 record, worst in the Western Conference and tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the second-worst record in the NBA overall.

Only the 2-12 Washington Wizards had a worse record through the first month of the NBA season.

The Jazz hosted the Knicks in the first game of a five-game homestand.

Related: Jazz Host Knicks In Rare Midday Game

The team will also face the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers before returning to the road.

The Jazz were without Kyle Filipowski (ankle) and Taylor Hendricks (broken fibula) for Saturday’s game.

Both Jordan Clarkson (plantar fasciitis) and Walker Kessler (hip bursitis) returned to the team.

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Ben Anderson is a Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12 with Jake Scott on 97.5 KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.