Lauri Markkanen Block Turns Defense Into Offense For Jazz
Dec 26, 2022, 8:10 PM
Jarred Vanderbilt #8 of the Utah Jazz celebrates with Jordan Clarkson #00 during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Vivint Arena on November 30, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen soared, spiking blank blanks shot. It turned into a four on one fast break as the Jazz cut into San Antonio’s lead.
The Jazz (19-16) traveled to Texas where they face the San Antonio Spurs (10-22) in a battle of former Western Conference elites.
the block 🇫🇮
the attack 🏴☠️
the bucket 🔋#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/BaXbCxjdNB— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 27, 2022
With the Utah trailing 72-61, Markkanen blocked a floater from Spurs guard Devin Vassell, sparking a fast break.
Jordan Clarkson missed a layup, only to have the mess cleaned up by the relentless hustle of Jarred Vanderbilt.
It was a highlight in an otherwise disappointing game for the Jazz.
The Jazz have been held to under 40 percent from the field as they trail San Antonio 86-69 midway through the third quarter.
RELATED: Jazz Get Hot In Second Quarter, Make Comeback Against Spurs
Jazz Struggling On Road
At first glance, a 19-16 record is pretty good. Especially for a team that was expected to battle for the basement of the western conference like the Utah Jazz.
Utah has taken care of their home court, winning 12 of 17 games played at Vivint Arena.
RELATED: ‘Security Threat’ Delays Start Of Jazz Vs. Spurs Game
It’s been another story on the road.
The @utahjazz are ON tonight.
LISTEN LIVE at 6: https://t.co/OExdEAiqiQ#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/oQ72x5M7io
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 26, 2022
After beginning the season 5-3 away from Salt Lake, the Jazz are 2-8 in their last ten games on the road. Wins against thankless Detroit and Portland are the only road positives for the Jazz since mid-November.
After facing the Spurs, Utah travels to Golden State and Sacramento before a two-game home stand against the Miami Heat and the Kings.
RELATED: Olynyk Out As Jazz Open Road Trip Against Spurs
The team then heads back on the road to face the Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, and Memphis Grizzlies.
San Antonio Tank Job
The Spurs opened the season with a surprising 5-2 start through seven games, but have gone just 5-20 in their last 25 outings.
San Antonio had lost 16 out of 17 contests between November 2 and December 4 before winning three straight over the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The @utahjazz are 5-5 against San Antonio since the beginning of the 2019-20 season 🏀
San Antonio leads the all-time series 110-88#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/BbaTEhgiRt
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 26, 2022
The Spurs have followed the win streak with a 1-4 record including a blowout 133-113 loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday.
RELATED: Utah Jazz Guard Collin Sexton Plays Bully Ball Early Against Spurs
San Antonio owns the fourth-worst record in the NBA at 10-22.
The Jazz and Spurs are 5-5 against each other since the beginning of the 2019-20 season.
Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Utah Jazz and the Spurs is being televised on AT&T SportsNet and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. It can also be streamed on DirecTV Stream and FuboTV.
