Dante Exum steps up to lead Jazz to victory in breakout moment for young star

DID we just witness a seminal moment in the fledgling NBA career of Australia’s Dante Exum?

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 5: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court during their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at EnergySolutions Arena on November 5, 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)

DID we just witness a seminal moment in Dante Exum’s fledgling career?

The 19-year-old Aussie backed up his career-best performance against Dallas on the weekend with a strong display to lead Utah to a 97-96 win in Detroit today.

Crucially, Exum was chosen over Trey Burke to close out the game for the first time by coach Quin Snyder.

He didn’t disappoint.

Exum played the final 5:25 after Burke picked up his 5th foul. Why'd Snyder stick with him? “His length was a factor as much as anything.”

— Aaron Falk (@tribjazz) November 10, 2014

Exum in fact closing for UTA. Started with Burke getting his 5th w/ about 5 mins left, but never brought back.

— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) November 10, 2014

Dante Exum vs. Trey Burke through seven games. Exum's case gets stronger with each one... pic.twitter.com/ldyBNdgYWZ

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) November 10, 2014

Exum finished with nine points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal in 20:49 minutes.

Just as importantly, he imbued a sense of calm and control in his team when trailing by as many as nine points in the final quarter, prompting several NBA pundits to query whether he had now overtaken Burke as the Jazz’s No. 1 point guard.

Exum leads Burke in points and assists in November despite playing seven less minutes per game.

“Dante is young, learning,” Burke said.

“The more we play on the court, the better we’ll be. Sometimes he can bring the ball up and I can play off the ball.”

After a handful of nervous performances in the pre-season — most notably an early match-up with the Clippers, during which he conceded eight turnovers — Exum committed no turnovers against the Pistons and just one in his past three games.

Are we at the point yet where Exum is a better offensive player than Burke already? It's at least a question right now.

— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) November 10, 2014

Dante Exum really is getting better with each passing game. We're not just saying that. Making excellent decisions on offense. #UTAatDET

— David J. Smith (@davidjsmith1232) November 10, 2014

Dante Exum has a rare combination of elite physical attributes to go with elite basketball IQ. Usually, you have one or the other

— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) November 10, 2014

With a starting spot possibly up for grabs Exum demonstrated maturity on the court showing improvement on both sides of the ball.

With starting guard Burke in early foul trouble and Rodney Hood sidelined by plantar fasciitis, Exum took full advantage of the additional minutes on offer.

Exum’s Australian teammate, Joe Ingles, was also a standout against the Pistons. Ingles hit a career-high 10 points, including three-from-three from three-point range.

Joe Ingles is Aussie for Larry Bird #UTAatDET

— SLC Dunk (@slcdunk) November 9, 2014

Oh my, @Joeingles7 from deep! Jazz up 38-29. Timeout in Detroit. #UTAatDET

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 9, 2014

Joe Ingles hitting stepbacks now...cool

— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) November 9, 2014

Not sure if Joe Ingles or Toni Kukoc.

— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) November 9, 2014

Ingles was cut by the Los Angeles Clippers on the eve of the NBA season — but showed off his shooting talents against Detroit. One of his three pointers came after a nice pass from Exum.

The Exum-Ingles combination is exciting fans and media alike in Utah.

“I saw him do that when I was in Russia a couple times,” Snyder said of Ingles.

“I still think his unselfishness is what makes him invaluable to our group, and when you share the ball, it comes back to you. It’s good to see.”

Exum was effusive in his praise of Jazz teammate Gordon Hayward, who overcame a slow start to score Utah’s last 11 points against the Pistons.

“He’s a leader on this team,” Exum said. “He’s established himself as a guy who can take the big shots.”

Exum to Ingles for 3! The Aussies have gotta love that one. #UTAatDET

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 9, 2014

Down Under Duo! Rookie Dante Exum feeds fellow Australian Joe Ingles for a 3-pointer on a fast break.

— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) November 9, 2014

Exum to Ingles for 3. They have great chemistry! @traread #UTAatDET

— David J. Smith (@davidjsmith1232) November 9, 2014

Originally published as Dante Exum steps up to lead Jazz to victory in breakout moment for young star