On Tuesday, the Utah Jazz faced the Indiana Pacers in a game many overlooked due to the day’s packed schedule. With a combined record of 29-73, both teams have struggled throughout the season. However, the Jazz secured a 131-122 victory, highlighted by a remarkable performance from second-year player Isaiah Collier.
Although Collier scored 17 points (6-of-16 FG), it was his 22 assists that set a new NBA record for youngest player to achieve this milestone and put him in an elite spot within the franchise’s history.
Isaiah Collier has career night against Pacers
Collier’s 22 assists marked a career-high, and he surpassed the previous record for the Jazz, set by Hall of Famer John Stockton. The last player to match his assist count in a game was Nikola Jokic on March 7 of last season.
The Pacers are currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and have struggled without their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, who has been out since injuring his Achilles during the 2025 NBA Finals. Indiana also missed several key players, including All-Star Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin, due to rest or minor injuries. Despite the matchup’s context, Collier’s performance stands out.
This season, he averages just 9.5 points per game but has recorded at least 10 assists in six games. Even with the Jazz’s six-game losing streak prior to this win, Collier scored 10 or more points in all but one of those games.
His achievement is particularly noteworthy since the Jazz had only seven active players following the trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. earlier that day. With this trade, the Jazz are focusing on building a larger roster aimed at returning to the playoffs. While they still have work to do, Collier’s performance showcases the potential and young talent within the team. A win over Indiana might not change the overall narrative for now, but being on a list with Stockton emphasizes how remarkable those 22 assists are, regardless of the opponent.