Darryn Peterson scored the go-ahead basket with 2:16 left and added two late free throws as the Utah Jazz rallied past the Phoenix Suns 119-116 on Friday in their preseason finale.
Utah trailed by 13 in the third quarter and entered the fourth down 95-90 at Mortgage Matchup Center. With both teams turning heavily to their reserves, the Jazz won the final period 29-21 and survived an inbound turnover in the closing seconds.
Peterson finished with 13 points, six rebounds and six assists in 29 minutes. His late basket put Utah ahead 111-109, and the Jazz kept the lead through the finish. Josh Green followed with a jumper, then Harrison Ingram scored to give Utah a four-point cushion with 1:07 remaining.
Jamaree Bouyea answered with a driving layup for Phoenix, but Kyle Filipowski scored inside with 41.6 seconds left to restore the four-point advantage. Peterson’s free throws made it 119-113 with 21.4 seconds remaining. Pat Spencer hit a late three, and Koa Peat stole the ensuing inbound pass, but the Suns did not get another shot away.
Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 19 points and five rebounds, making three of his seven three-pointers and all six of his free throws. He had 15 points by halftime, helping keep the Jazz within reach as Phoenix built a 65-59 lead.