Jazz’s Markkanen Pulls Down O-Board, Hits Tough Fadeaway Against Grizzlies

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen collected an offensive rebound before hitting a tough fadeaway during Utah’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Jazz hosted the Grizzlies at Vivint Arena on Monday, October 31.

With 9.1 seconds left in the third quarter, Markkanen corralled an offensive rebound on a missed shot by Collin Sexton before fading back and burying a 13-foot jumper.

Markkanen’s shot gave the Jazz a 97-74 lead.

a monster mash? 😈
a graveyard smash? 🪦#TakeNote | @MarkkanenLauri pic.twitter.com/UmiC8ySVJv

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 1, 2022

At the end of the third quarter, the Jazz owned a 97-74 advantage.

Through three quarters, Markkanen had a team-high 28 points on 10-14 field goals, including 4-6 from beyond the arc. He also had nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks. Markkanen posted a plus-17 rating during his first 28 minutes of action.

I had no idea Markkanen could play this big.

Really comfortable shooting and passing over the defense.

Strong on the glass, eating up passing lanes, three blocks.

Super impressive.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) November 1, 2022

This season, the forward is averaging 21.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.7 steals per contest.

Utah’s game against Memphis is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.

Grizzlies vs. Jazz

The Utah Jazz will be short-handed again tonight when they host the Memphis Grizzlies as rookie Walker Kessler has been ruled out by the team.

Kessler joins a list of Jazz players who are missing the game due to various illnesses.

The Jazz beat the Grizzlies on Saturday night 124-123 in Salt Lake City.

Walker Kessler Out For Jazz

Kessler was the latest player to be scratched by the Jazz due to an illness. The rookie center missed Saturday’s win over Memphis along with Rudy Gay and Simone Fontecchio but was listed as questionable early Monday before he was ruled out.

Gay and Fontecchio are both in the NBA’s Health and Safety Protocol while Kessler is only listed out due to an unspecified illness.

Second-year guard Leandro Bolmaro was also added to the Jazz injury list and has been placed in the health and safety protocols.

Jazz injury report:

OUT – Walker Kessler (illness)

OUT – Leandro Bolmaro (health & safety protocols)

OUT – Simone Fontecchio (health & safety protocols)

OUT – Rudy Gay (health & safety protocols)

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 31, 2022

Though short-handed the Jazz came away with an exciting victory over the Grizzlies to move to 5-2 on the season.

Kelly Olynyk and Lauri Markkanen each scored 23 points and made clutch baskets late in the game to wrestle away a late five point Memphis lead.

Jordan Clarkson added 21 points and six assists to push the Jazz to victory.

Mike Conley, who also missed Saturday’s game is back in the lineup tonight.

Ja Morant Questionable

The Grizzlies weren’t at full strength either in Saturday’s loss.

The team was playing without superstar Ja Morant who missed the game due to an illness.

The guard was listed as questionable by the Grizzlies on Monday morning ahead of the Halloween night game.

"A lot of physicality and attention to detail."@mymikecheck sits down with @dillonbrooks24 head of our 2nd game in Utah. pic.twitter.com/Hr85FfSjMK

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) October 31, 2022

The Grizzlies got big performances from both Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks in Morant’s absence.

Bane scored 32 points on 11-23 shooting while Brooks at 30 points on 12-20 from the floor.

Memphis had a chance to win the game at the final buzzer, but Bane tripped as the ball was inbounded and was unable to get a shot away.

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