Markkanen’s Magic Helps Jazz Snap Four-Game Losing Streak In Orlando
Mar 9, 2023, 7:36 PM | Updated: Mar 10, 2023, 11:54 am
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz snapped a four-game losing streak behind a 31-point performance by Lauri Markkanen against the Orlando Magic.
The Magic hosted the Jazz at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida on Thursday, March 9.
Utah beat Orlando, 131-124.
Seven Jazz players scored in double figures, including all five starters. Markkanen scored his 31 points on 11-22 shooting. He added five rebounds, two assists, and a block in the win. Walker Kessler posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker poured in 23 points and dished out eight assists.
First Quarter
The Jazz jumped out to a quick 12-3 start behind 3-6 shooting from the three-point line to open the game.
The lead climbed to 20-11 midway through the quarter as the Magic struggled to get stops.
A hot 🥵 start from downtown by the @utahjazz in the ☀️ Sunshine State. 🔥#TakeNote #UTAvsORL https://t.co/db5c0yl268
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 10, 2023
Orlando answered with a 13-3 run late in the quarter to trim the Jazz lead to one in the final minute.
After one the Jazz led the Magic 29-28.
Second Quarter
Neither team was able to get any separation as they traded baskets throughout the quarter.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 15 points while Talen Horton-Tucker added 14 in the first half.
𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘯 ⏩ #TakeNote #UTAvsORL https://t.co/iSnkGOLB5I
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 10, 2023
The Magic were led by Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs who scored 12 points each.
The Jazz closed the half on a 17-6 run to take a 64-56 lead at the break.
Third Quarter
The Jazz quickly jumped out to a 79-64 lead in the second half after knocking down four of their first five threes of the third quarter.
The Magic answered late in the frame as they buckled down defensively, and retook a lead at 91-88 with 2:55 left in the quarter.
R👀K 💪 #TakeNote #UTAvsORL https://t.co/ayINo14LGK
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 10, 2023
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Markelle Fultz scored 14 points in the third on a perfect 5-5 shooting to up his total to 23, while Markkanen led the Jazz with 24.
After three the Jazz and Magic were tied at 97.
Fourth Quarter
The Jazz jumped on the Magic early in the fourth, building a 110-102 thanks to seven quick points from Simone Fontecchi to open the quarter.
The Magic again answered back thanks to their hot three-point shooting, cutting the Jazz lead to two with 5:06 left in the game.
Horton-Tucker matched his season-high with 23 points while Fultz set a new season-high with 25.
.@KrisDunn3 doing work in the post. 💪 #TakeNote #UTAvsORL https://t.co/Gasrgl3Qub
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 10, 2023
Kessler and Markkanen helped the Jazz close out the contest with big buckets during the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
