Markkanen Leads Fast Break, Conley Finishes Against Pelicans
Oct 23, 2022, 6:44 PM
Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz drives against Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans 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 – Six-foot-11-inch Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen led a fast break capped by a Mike Conley layup during Utah’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans hosted the Jazz at Smoothie King Center on Sunday, October 23.
With 10:46 remaining in the third quarter, Markkanen stole the ball from a driving Zion Williamson before running the court. The Jazz sprint the court on a three-on-two fast break led by the Finnish forward, who dished the ball of to Conley for an easy layup.
Conley’s bucket off the Markkanen assist gave the Jazz a 67-55 lead.
hustlin' pic.twitter.com/qZSkggkpfR
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 24, 2022
Midway through the quarter, Markkanen had a game-high 22 points to go with eight rebounds, one assists, one steal, and a block. Conley had two points, one rebound, and six assists. The Jazz shooting 45.2 percent overall and 34.8 percent from distance. The Pelicans were shooting 46.9 percent from the field, including 27.8 percent from three.
This season, Markkanen is averaging 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Conley is recording 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists 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.
