NBA’s top team Cleveland Cavaliers beat Utah Jazz 124-113. Markkanen recorded 26 points.
Jussi Vainikka,
STT Sports
The Utah Jazz made it to their last game before Christmas in the NBA with their first winning streak of the season. The streak did not extend beyond two wins, as the Cleveland Cavaliers won at home 124–113.
Lauri Markkanen scored 26 points in the match. The most effective of the match was Markkanen’s teammate Jordan Clarkson.
In the match, Markkane had 21 shot attempts in game situations and every third of them sank into the basket. Instead, the Finn was more accurate at the free throw line and sank six shots out of seven attempts. Markkanen also grabbed seven rebounds, four of them on the defensive end.
Cleveland was successful in the match on a wide front, as four players scored at least 20 points. Darius Garland was the first name with 23 points. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley sunk 22 points each, Sam Merrill on the other hand, 20 points.
Despite the loss, Utah’s performance was encouraging, as Cleveland is the top team in the entire series. The Cavaliers have won no less than 26 of the 30 games they have played.
The Cleveland arena was a familiar environment for Markkanes, as he played in the club in the 2021-2022 season before moving to Utah.
Utah’s games continue after the Christmas break early Friday morning Finnish time, when the team faces the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland, like Utah, has had a difficult early season. Portland has nine wins and 20 losses, while Utah has seven wins and 21 losses.