Isaiah Collier achieved a career-high 22 assists, the highest in the NBA this season, steering the Utah Jazz to a 131-122 win against the Indiana Pacers on February 4, 2026. Despite a roster trimmed to only seven available players after a major trade, the Jazz showcased strong teamwork and depth to overcome their opponents.
Collier’s exceptional playmaking was matched by his 17 points as he logged the entire game. The Jazz demonstrated balance, with every player scoring at least 14 points. Lauri Markkanen led with 27 points followed by Brice Sensabaugh’s 20, Ace Bailey’s 19, and Kyle Filipowski contributing a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds. Their collective effort compensated for Utah’s limited rotation.
The team had just completed a trade sending Georges Niang, Kyle Anderson, Walter Clayton Jr., and Taylor Hendricks to the Memphis Grizzlies, in exchange for Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. However, the newly acquired players did not feature in the victory over Indiana.
Collier’s Assist Performance in Historical Context
Collier reached a milestone not seen since Nikola Jokic’s 22-assist game for the Denver Nuggets on March 7, 2025. Within franchise history, John Stockton remains the leader, having recorded eight games with 23 or more assists, including a franchise record 28 assists against the San Antonio Spurs on January 15, 1991.
Indiana Pacers Struggle Without Key Players
The Pacers faced significant lineup challenges, resting four regular starters—All-Star Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell—due to minor injuries or planned rest. Quenton Johnson and Jarace Walker stepped up as top scorers with 24 points each, but the depleted team could not withstand Utah’s balanced attack.
Los Angeles Lakers Find Momentum With Reaves’ Return
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers continued their strong form with a 125-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets. LeBron James led the way with 25 points, closely supported by Luka Doncic’s 24. Austin Reaves marked his return from a strained left calf that sidelined him for 19 games, contributing 15 points in just 21 minutes in his first game since Christmas.
Reaves entered late in the first quarter as the Lakers surged early, shooting 20 of 25 from the field in a fast start. Jake LaRavia added 18 points, fueling the Lakers to complete a successful 5-3 road trip ahead of hosting the Philadelphia 76ers after the trade deadline. Despite the win, Lakers leadership had previously noted uncertainty about the team’s ceiling without Reaves, who averaged 26.6 points before injury.
The Brooklyn Nets, struggling recently with nine losses in their last ten games, were unable to make a comeback despite Michael Porter Jr.’s 21 points and 10 rebounds.
New York Knicks Extend Winning Streak Amid Injury Concerns
The New York Knicks extended their winning run to seven games with a commanding 132-101 victory over the Washington Wizards. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a robust double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds, supported by Mikal Bridges’ 23 points and Jalen Brunson’s 21. The Knicks maintained control throughout as they continued a dominant streak against Washington, winning 11 consecutive encounters in this matchup.
However, the Knicks faced a setback when Josh Hart exited in the third quarter with an injury, adding to existing concerns from earlier ankle issues. Hart left the court cautiously and did not return; the team awaits updates on his recovery.
For Washington, Will Riley scored 17 points and Bub Carrington contributed 14. Although the Wizards have improved recently with three wins in five games, their progress has been marred by significant losses, suffering defeats by 31 points against the Lakers and then by the same margin versus the Knicks.
NBA Teams Manage Challenges Amid Trades and Injuries
The games on February 4 showcased how teams adapt under pressure. Utah focused on a seven-player rotation after significant trade activity, while the Lakers regained an important scorer in Reaves and prepared for further roster decisions. The Knicks balanced their strong on-court performance with concerns over injuries. All three teams secured solid victories over opponents weakened by absences, highlighting resilience and depth as key factors for ongoing success.
“Judging the Lakers’ ceiling without Reaves, who averaged 26.6 points before the calf injury, was difficult, yet the team looked strong against a struggling Brooklyn side.” – LeBron James
