Markkanen Throws Down Dunk During Big Opening Quarter Against Pelicans
Oct 23, 2022, 5:42 PM | Updated: 6:47 pm
Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz dunks as Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Jonas Valanciunas #17 defend during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen threw down a two-handed slam dunk during the opening minutes of Utah’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans hosted the Jazz at Smoothie King Center on Sunday, October 23.
With 5:28 remaining in the first quarter, Conley dished the ball off to a cutting Markkanen, who rose up to the rim and threw down a two-handed jam to tie the game at 14-14.
The dunk was part of a big opening quarter by the Arizona product.
we're getting used to these Lauri dunks 🫡#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/YSRELx0g8E
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 23, 2022
At the end of the opening 12 minutes of game time, the Jazz owned a 26-24 advantage on the scoreboard. During the first quarter, the Jazz shot 40 percent overall and 30 percent from downtown.
Markkanen was Utah’s leading scorer with 14 points on 5-7 shooting, including 1-2 from beyond the arc. The forward added four rebounds and a block in his first 10 minutes on the court.
14 points for 23 🖤#TakeNote | @MarkkanenLauri pic.twitter.com/jkztjHxsLM
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 23, 2022
The sixth-year player entered the matchup averaging 20.5 points per game on 45.7 percent shooting. He is also averaging 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 36.0 minutes per contest.
Utah’s game against New Orleans is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.
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Jazz vs. Pelicans
The Jazz take their blemish-free record to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Sunday evening.
New Orleans burst out of the gate with an impressive win on the road over the Brooklyn Nets before downing the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
Jonas Valanciunas scored 30 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in the Pelicans second win of the season while Zion Williamson added 16 and five.
New Orleans is a dark horse to make a deep run in the Western Conference playoffs after pressing the Phoenix Suns in the opening round last year.
However, they are the third straight team the Jazz will face that is trying to integrate a major piece into the rotation after Williamson missed all of last season with a foot injury.
