The Utah Jazz returned to winning ways under the leadership of Lauri Markkanen’s phenomenal performances.
Lauri Markkanen led the Utah Jazz back to winning ways, breaking the NBA career points per game record in the process. Markkanen was the most efficient of his team with 38 points, when Utah beat the Phoenix Suns with points 134–133.
Both teams were in a good mood, but the match progressed mainly with Jazz in the lead. The Suns stayed close until the very end.
Markkanen decided the match with a flip jump throw 38.5 seconds before the final buzzer, when he threw to make the score 134–131. Before the evening, Utah was on a three game losing streak.
– It feels great, we need to get back to winning ways, Markkanen said in a field interview (you switch to another service) after the match.
The Finn was on the court for a good 34 and a half minutes, also reaching six rebounds and three assists leading to baskets. In total, Markkanen succeeded in 15 of his 18 shots in the game.
Markkanen’s previous record for points in one game was 32 points. After the match, Markkanen thanked his team for their efficiency.
– The game included a lot of good game patterns, a lot of donks. My teammates passed me the ball when I was free.
After the match, Markkanen’s teammate Mike Conley stressed the importance of winning in a sensitive manner. At the same time, Conley commented on Markkanen’s amazing night and said that the team was happy about his points record.
– It’s hard to know what Lauri can achieve, he’s a really tough competitor, he’s still just learning and causes problems for his opponents with his skills.
Utah head coach Will Hardy was also again satisfied with Markkanen’s game selections. Like Conley, he believed that Markkanen’s story is just beginning.
– I don’t know what his limits are, probably no one does. I’m sure no one has seen them though.
– When you look at him, you wouldn’t expect him to be so mobile and agile. His footwork isn’t just about running speed, it’s about his ability to play in tight spots and switch positions. He is impressive both as an athlete and as a basketball player.
After the match, also the Utah player Jarred Vanderbilt hailed Markkas as an All-Star player.
Hardy sees the entire Utah team getting energy from Markkase and he is happy that the Finn is comfortable in the team.
– He works hard in every game and training, always down to the smallest details. He’s a great guy and I’m really happy for him and for him to feel comfortable in our team. The whole team gets strength from him even more than me, Hardy beamed.
Tomorrow, Utah will face the Portland Trail Blazers.
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