Lauri Markkanen Shows All-Star Potential Against Wizards
Dec 22, 2022, 8:43 PM
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) battles to get up a shot as Utah Jazz and the Detroit Pistons play at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen is cool, calm, and collected. He’s also aiming for a Western Conference All-Star selection with the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz (18-16) return home where they host the Washington Wizards (12-20) on Thursday, December 22.
( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛) 👉 now those are all-star moves #TakeNote | @markkanenlauri pic.twitter.com/upnR2DnCgM
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 23, 2022
Markkanen opened his third quarter scoring outburst with a beautiful, move to create space before hitting a short jumper from the paint.
Later in the period with Utah trailing 77-75, Mike Conley found Markkanen for an alley-oop to tie the game.
On the Jazz next possession, the Finnisher showed his versatility by stepping out and hitting a deep three point shot.
Averaging 22.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game for the Jazz this season, Markkanen is tied with Clarkson and Malik Beasley for a team-high 18 points.
RELATED: Markkanen’s Career Night Helps Jazz Snap Losing Streak With Win Over Pistons
Sexton Set For Return, Olynyk Out
The Jazz provided an update on their injury report Wednesday night.
Guard Collin Sexton, after missing the previous seven games, is available. Center Kelly Olynyk remains out with an ankle sprain.
Updated injury report:
*AVAILABLE – Collin Sexton (right hamstring strain)
*AVAILABLE – Johnny Juzang (G League – Two-Way)
OUT – Kelly Olynyk (left ankle sprain)
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 23, 2022
Sexton has played 27 games for the Jazz this season, primarily as a sixth-man. The first-year Jazz guard is averaging 14.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and three assists per game with an effective field goal percentage of 53.9.
RELATED: Utah Jazz Guard Collin Sexton Suffers ‘Mild’ Hamstring Strain
Olynyk, also in his first season with the Jazz, missed the final two games of the road trip after injuring his ankle against Milwaukee. In his tenth NBA season, the Gonzaga product is averaging 12.9 points, five rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
Rookie Johnny Juzang will also be active as he recovers from a wrist injury.
Lauri Markkanen Making All-Star Case
Lauri Markkanen made another case for an All-Star spot as the Utah Jazz snapped their losing streak with a 126-111 win over the Detroit Pistons.
❄️💜 𝙄𝙏'𝙎 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀 💜❄️
Let's make The Finnisher an All Star 💫#TakeNote | #NBAAllStar
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2022
‘The Finnisher’, as he has become known to Jazz fans, tied his career high with 38 points to go with five rebounds in 36 minutes on the floor. He set a career-high with nine three-pointers on 13 attempts.
After spending four seasons in Chicago and a year in Cleveland, Markkanen may have found his NBA home with the Jazz.
RELATED: Lauri Markkanen Puts Defender On Skates, Finishes With Lefty Lay-In
Markkanen is averaging 22.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on 63.1 effective field goal percentage with the Jazz. Those numbers are a far cry from his 16.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game prior to this year.
Fans can make their NBA All-Star selections here or on the NBA App.
Watch Jazz vs. Washington Wizards
The Jazz game against the Washington Wizards is being broadcast on AT&T SportsNet. Fans can also watch the game at NBA League Pass or listen on KSL Sports Zone.
