Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson Push Jazz Past Rockets
Oct 26, 2022, 9:32 PM | Updated: 9:37 pm
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen dunks against the Houston Rockets (Photo: Deseret News/Spenser Heaps)
(Photo: Deseret News/Spenser Heaps)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz bounced back from Monday’s loss with a 109-101 victory over the Houston Rockets thanks to big performances from Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson.
Markkanen led the Jazz with 24 points and eight rebounds, his third 20-point outing in five games this season, while Clarkson scored 20 points of his own.
With the win, the Jazz moved to 4-1 on the season.
First Quarter
The Jazz offensive issues from Monday night carried over into the first quarter, shooting just 1-9 from the three-point line.
Jarred Vanderbilt continued his strong play in first halves this season scoring six points and grabbing six rebounds.
✨ walker plays quarterback ✨
✨ talen plays magician ✨#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/3FwkzaXOcu— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 27, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, and Erick Gordon each scored five for the Rockets.
After one the Jazz led Houston 22-21.
Second Quarter
Lauri Markkanen found his stroke in the second quarter scoring 11 points, most of which came in transition against the turnover-prone Rockets.
The Finnish forward had 15 points at the break to lead all scorers.
Lauri Markkanen scored seven points in the final four minutes of the first half. 🔥🔥#TakeNote https://t.co/PYprm77tP9
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 27, 2022
Houston had 12 turnovers in the first half including four from Porter Jr. leading to 17 fast break points for the Jazz.
At the half the Jazz led the Rockets 61-49.
Third Quarter
Collin Sexton left with a left oblique contusion and was ruled out for the remainder of the game at halftime.
Jordan Clarkson exploded with three three-pointers in the third quarter as the Jazz ran away from Houston to open the second half.
JC 🚫➡️3⃣#TakeNote https://t.co/QBQZZQ8llB
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 27, 2022
The former Sixth Man of the Year scored 11 points in the quarter and led all scorers through 36 minutes with 20 points.
After three, the Jazz led the Rockets 89-75.
Fourth Quarter
The Rockets opened the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run, quickly trimming the Jazz lead to single digits.
Jarred Vanderbilt and Kelly Olynyk fouled out for the Jazz midway through the quarter, but Markkanen carried the Jazz frontcourt scoring five points in the final period to prevent the Rockets from closing the gap.
Markkanen finished with 24 points to go with eight rebounds to lead the Jazz to their fourth win in five games.
The Jazz avenged Monday’s loss with a 109-101 win over the Rockets.
