Lauri Markkanen First Quarter Three Sets Consecutive Games Streak
Jan 25, 2023, 8:34 PM
Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz shoots a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on January 05, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – First-year Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has been full of surprises for Utah as he angles for the first All-Star selection of his career.
The Jazz (25-25) are hosting the Portland Trail Blazers (22-25) at Vivint Arena on Wednesday, January 25. It’s the second of three games between the two franchises this season.
🇫🇮 𝟯𝟳 🇫🇮 straight games with a three for @MarkkanenLauri
(That’s a new NBA record for consecutive games with a made three by a seven-footer.)#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/yRWCBUeZi7
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 26, 2023
After missing his first two attempts of the night, Markkanen screened for Malik Beasley before stepping beyond the arc to catch a pass from Mike Conley. The Finnisher, as he has come to be known by Jazz fans, elevated and knocked down a three for the 37th consecutive game.
The three set a new NBA record for seven-footers.
RELATED: Jazz Look To Continue Hot Streak In Portland
Markkanen’s seven first quarter points lead the Jazz. He also has two rebounds and a steal in nine minutes of play.
Utah holds a 31-19 lead over the Trail Blazers after one quarter of play.
Jazz Hitting Stride Before All-Star Break
Despite trade rumors swirling about several players on the roster, and fatigue setting in before the All-Star break the Jazz are playing some of their best basketball of the season.
The Jazz are 5-2 in their last seven games and own the fourth-best net rating in the NBA over the stretch.
🎷 Jazz on the road tonight vs @trailblazers
Listen live at 8: https://t.co/OExdEAiY8o
Follow @BensHoops for insight and analysis. pic.twitter.com/YB1LWeQEZI
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 25, 2023
While the Jazz own the fourth-best offensive rating in the NBA this season, it’s been their defensive improvement that has carried them in recent weeks.
The Jazz have seen their defensive rating climb to ninth-best in the league during their recent hot streak, up from 25th for the year.
RELATED: Kessler Climbs Near Top Of NBA Rookie Rankings
Kelly Olynyk is unavailable for the eighth consecutive game due to an ankle injury suffered against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 8.
Trail Blazers Desperate For Wins
After playing above .500 basketball through the first three months of the season, the Trail Blazers have had a miserable January.
Portland is just 4-8 since ringing in the new year and has slipped from the eighth seed in the West to 12th, three games back of .500.
The Trail Blazers are in the midst of an important six-game home stand which has gotten off to a rocky start, dropping two of their first three games.
The NBA standings through Jan. 24!
📲 https://t.co/6FlAliik3X pic.twitter.com/McVJKTZcvd
— NBA (@NBA) January 25, 2023
The recent down streak comes at a difficult time for the Blazers who face significant pressure to decide the direction of their franchise before the trade deadline.
The team could be buyers at the deadline, looking to make up the gap between themselves and the rest of Western Conference playoff contenders, or begin exploring options to begin a rebuild.
Utah Jazz Vs. Portland Trail Blazers Broadcast
RELATED: Subscribers Can Now Watch Jazz Games On AT&T SportsNet App
The Portland Trail Blazers and Portland Trail Blazers game 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.
