Aussies in NBA: Joe Ingles' minutes are about to increase dramatically

Joe Ingles' shooting stroke has returned at the right time for the Utah Jazz. With the news that Alec Burks will be sidelined for at least 6 weeks with a fractured left fibula, Slo-Mo Joe is needed now more than ever.

Burks went down in the second quarter of yesterday's tough loss to the Clippers. With Burks out, Jingles stepped up and proved he deserves a share of Burks' minutes whilst he is sidelined. Jingles was controlled on offence and looked for his shot when the opportunity was there. He finished with a season-high 14 points (4/8 from deep), 3 rebounds and 1 assist in 25 minutes.

It was great to see Ingles' teammates looking for him on the wing in important moments during the tight game. With just over 1 minute remaining in the fourth quarter, down by 4 , Trevor Booker had the ball under the rim and flicked it out to a waiting Ingles who swished home a 3 to cut the deficit to just 1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwhTAE0H5OQ

There is no doubt that Ingles kept his team in the game and although the Jazz couldn't come away with the win, it was an impressive performance considering the injuries that are now piling up for the team. Being without Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors and Dante Exum for this game, and then Burks going down before halftime, the Jazz found a way to stay close and fought to the end.

Last week when talking about Gobert's injury, Ingles mentioned that next man up mentality and guys being ready for their name to be called, and now it is Ingles' turn to do just that.

We've got guys who can fill in and help out when we are down on numbers.”

Slo-Mo Joe needs to be that guy for the Utah Jazz.

As big of a loss Burks is to the Jazz, this is the opportunity Ingles has been waiting for. This is Jingles' time to step up and help guide the injury-riddled Jazz through a tough couple of months.