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Utah Jazz: The resurgence of Alec Burks

By Alex Eddy

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Alec Burks #10 of the Utah Jazz steals the ball from Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers during a 126-107 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Alec Burks #10 of the Utah Jazz steals the ball from Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers during a 126-107 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Taking a closer look at the resurgence of Alec Burks, who has been a shot in the arm to short-handed Utah Jazz

Alec Burks has been on an absolute tear recently.

He hasn’t had a stretch like this since the 2013-14 season. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard, out of Colorado, has been plagued by injuries throughout much of his career.

Whether it was a shoulder, fibula or ankle injury, Burks has missed significant sign over the course of his seven year NBA career, Burks has missed 232 games. On average, that’s 33 missed games per season.

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This year has been different, though. Through 26 games, Burks has only missed one game this season.

In his last five games, specifically, Burks is averaging 23.4 points, 3.4 assists and 3,6 rebounds on 56 percent shooting from the field. Specifically, in a recent three-game stretch, Burks dropped 28 points against the Clippers, 24 against the Pelicans and 27 against the Wizards.

His 28 points against the Clippers on Nov 30 was a career-high, and he hasn’t had a streak of 20-plus points in three consecutive games since the 2013-14 season.

With the emergence of rookie Donovan Mitchell, Burks has had to be the scoring guard for the second unit. Rodney Hood has missed the past four games due to an ankle injury and Burks has taken full advantage of his playing time.

It’s hard to believe that Burks is still only 26 years of age. He has been with the Jazz since 2011. His perseverance to get back on the court and to continue working on his game has been admirable and those around the Jazz organization can sense that.

"“The game’s slowed down a lot,” he said after the game Monday night. “I’m slowing down and making better reads now.”"

Having posted 13 points through three quarters on Monday against the Wizards, Burks scored 14 in a row in the fourth for Utah.

"“He’s a guy that deserves it,” said teammate Derrick Favors. “He’s been in and out of games for a couple years, been hurt. I’m happy for him. He’s out there back to the old AB, scoring, just working on his game, so I’m happy for him.”"

In part due to Burks’ resurgence, the Utah Jazz have won six of their last eight. They have been impressive on the defensive end, Derrick Favors held the fort down with Rudy Gobert out, and Donovan Mitchell has been spectacular.

Must Read: Washington Wizards: After surviving without John Wall, what’s next?

All of this is true, but people should not forget how good Alec Burks has been. If he keeps playing like this, he will go on to have the best season of his career.

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