Utah, represented by Lauri Markkanen, lost to Phoenix 137–140 after two overtimes in a thriller-like match. The Finn scored his best points of the season and grabbed 17 rebounds.
Hinn Hirvonen,
STT Sports
Lauri Markkanen incredible night wasn’t enough to carry the Utah Jazz to victory against the Phoenix Suns in basketball’s NBA. Utah lost 137-140 after two overtimes in a thriller-like match.
Markkanen, who was in phenomenal form, scored 38 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. The number of points is Markkanen’s best this season. He worked for almost 50 minutes.
The Phoenix star collected even more points than Markka Kevin Durant, who scored 39 points.
Super exciting ending
Phoenix led by more than ten points in the first half of the match, but Utah was able to narrow the gap by the end of the regular game time. Markkanen tied the game 20 seconds before the end and extended the decision to overtime.
The first overtime went largely under the command of Phoenix, but the Jazz pulled back to level at the last moment.
Drama was also seen at the end of the second overtime.
Markkanen still had a chance to level the game when Durant, who was defending him, was whistled for a foul at the last second. Phoenix challenged the ruling and after a lengthy video review, it was reversed. So Utah bowed out by three points and lost its second consecutive game to Phoenix. Two days ago, Phoenix was outscored 131-128.
– Our team fought incredibly well throughout the match. Our defense was much better than last time against them. I think the team deserved to win. However, there are a lot of positive things to take away from this, Utah’s head coach Will Hardy boasted after the match.
Hardy was also asked about the final situation of the match, what he thought about the verdict.
– Christmas is coming. I’d like to keep my money. Ask after Christmas, Hardy blurted out.
However, Markkanen and 13-time All-Star Durant were in good spirits after the game and hugged and laughed despite the tight end and wild twist, as you can see in the video above.