Jazz Forward Lauri Markkanen Crushes Rim With Putback Dunk On Pacers

Feb 13, 2023, 6:14 PM

Cougar Sports Saturday Co-Host

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz forward Lauri Markkaen threw down a powerful putback dunk late in the first half of Utah’s road game against the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers hosted the Jazz at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday, February 13.

With 29.1 seconds remaining in the second quarter, the first-time NBA All-Star cleaned up a missed shot by Jordan Clarkson with a crisp putback jam.

Markkanen’s dunk gave the Jazz a halftime lead of 53-51.

Oh 😳 pic.twitter.com/cPSVUEGbaj

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 14, 2023

During the first 24 minutes of action, Markkanen had a game-high 17 points on 7-14 shooting. He added seven rebounds and one assist in 16 minutes on the court.

This season, Markkanen is averaging 24.8 points per game on 51.3 percent shooting, including 41.8 percent from beyond the arc. He ranks 17th in the league in scoring. Markkanen also averages 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.6 steals in 34.2 minutes per contest. The forward has played in 53 games for the Jazz this season.

Looking forward to more of ⬇️ on All-Star weekend 🤩#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/D8NZFWNLlO

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 14, 2023

This season, Olynyk is averaging 11.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 27.9 minutes per game. He’s played in 47 games for the Jazz this season.

Utah’s game against Indiana is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.

Jazz vs. Pacers

Westbrook Out For Utah

Though Russell Westbrook is officially a member of the Jazz he is not with the team in Indiana.

The future Hall of Fame guard was acquired by the Jazz at the deadline but the team is giving him space to decide his future.

“We are open to all sorts of possibilities with him,” Jazz general manager Justin Zanik said. “And he has been very positive on being here in Utah and we’ve been very open to the possibilities of him.”

Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones, the two other players acquired in last week’s trade were in uniform for the Jazz on Saturday but did not take the floor against the Knicks.

LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz vs. @Pacers on https://t.co/4kU961V8lp and the @KSLSportsZone.#TakeNote https://t.co/d5NfbIaBmg pic.twitter.com/txnX4Xmrlp

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 14, 2023

Pacers Slumping Into All-Star Break

After a surprisingly hot start to the season, the Pacers have struggled as they prepare for the All-Star break.

Despite guard Tyrese Haliburton earning his first All-Star nod, the Pacers are just 2-8 in their last 10 games and have lost four straight.

Over their last 10 games, the Pacers have the fourth-worst Net Rating in the NBA and are ranked in the bottom 10 in both offensive and defensive rating.

The Pacers own the sixth-worst record in the NBA this season at 25-33.

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