Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton Lead Jazz Third-Quarter Comeback
Jan 20, 2024, 7:59 PM
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 28, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
HOUSTON – Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton turned up the heat in the third quarter against the Houston Rockets as they led the Utah Jazz back from a double-digit deficit.
Markkanen and Sexton have been a dynamic duo for Utah during the recent hot streak.
⭐️ 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝’𝚜 𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚕𝚕-𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛 ⭐️
vote now | https://t.co/Vvym3DbyQN pic.twitter.com/M9MEa3wIeM
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 21, 2024
The Jazz’s run of good form started when Markkanen returned from his hamstring injury in December.
Sexton has grown into the second option for Utah on offense, averaging about 20 points and five assist over the last 15 games.
In the third quarter against Houston, Markkanen and Sexton combined for 18 points.
you 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒚 cannot corral the young bull 😈#TakeNote | @collinsexton02 pic.twitter.com/VAOBAiK8zq
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 21, 2024
Utah outscored the Rockets by 13 to even the game at 89.
The Jazz trailed by as much as 17 in Houston.
🌀 pyöriä 🌀#TakeNote | @MarkkanenLauri pic.twitter.com/RmcnSABpLH
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 21, 2024
Jazz Face Rockets To Open Six Game Road Trip
The Utah Jazz will embark on a six-game road trip beginning with a matchup in Houston against the Rockets on Saturday.
After winning 15 of their last 20 games heading into the road trip, the Jazz will look to continue their climb up the Western Conference standings.
UPDATED WEST STANDINGS ‼️
– Timberwolves win their 4th in a row, improve to 17-2 at home
– Thunder stay in 2nd placeFor more, download the NBA App:
📲https://t.co/oRfhdB8ZfO pic.twitter.com/xwCezj536M— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2024
The Jazz own the ninth seed in the West, 1.5 games ahead of Houston in the standings.
Utah will face the New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and the New York Knicks before returning to SLC on February 1.
The Jazz are 6-4 in their last 10 road games.
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Chandler Holt is a co-host for the Jazz Notes podcast and a Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerHoltKSL or on Threads @chandlerho1t.
