Lauri Markkanen Sparks First Quarter Run For Jazz Against Hawks
Nov 9, 2022, 6:03 PM | Updated: 6:16 pm
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) lands a big dunk over Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) during the game at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz had a big run in the first quarter that was sparked by big man Lauri Markkanen against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
Lauri Markkanen hit two three-pointers and contributed six points as a part of a 9-0 run to give the Jazz a 20-11 lead with 5:20 remaining in the first quarter. Kelly Olynyk started the run with a layup and one free throw. Then Markkanen hit back-to-back three-pointers before the Hawks stopped the run with a pullup jumper by Aaron Holiday.
Markkanen went down the floor and answered with a stepback jumper and two free throws. With 2:53 remaining in the opening quarter, Markkanen had 16 points on 3-of-5 shooting from the field, 2-for-2 from downtown and 8-of-8 from the free throw line. The 16 points is a career-high for points in the first quarter for Markkanen.
The Jazz held a 24-15 lead.
knockin' 'em down early ⏱#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/CRAaqRs9sl
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 10, 2022
Jazz Get First Taste Of The East
The Jazz have had a unique start to the season facing 12 consecutive Western Conference opponents.
NBA schedulers appeared to have given the Jazz a gauntlet of unwinnable games to open the year but the team has exceeded even the wildest expectations.
The Jazz are a perfect 5-0 in Utah and have a 4-3 record on the road, including consecutive wins away from home over the Lakers and the Clippers.
The team now faces the Hawks to open a three-game road stand, before back-to-back games against the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday and Sunday.
Lauri Markkanen continued his strong play in Monday’s win over the Lakers finishing with 23 points on 10-15 shooting.
Jordan Clarkson added 22 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Atlanta didn’t miss a beat without Trae Young in the lineup, handing the Milwaukee Bucks their first loss of the year 117-98.
Young is averaging 28.2 points and 9.4 assists but has struggled shooting the ball. The guard has knocked down just 38 percent of his field goal attempts including 32 percent of his threes.
Former Spurs star Dejounte Murray had 25 points in Young’s absence to lead the Hawks.
The Jazz and Hawks is televised on AT&T SportsNet and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. The game will also be streamed on DirecTV Stream and FuboTV.
