Jazz Forwards Markkanen, Fontecchio Catch Fire Against Miami Heat

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz forwards Lauri Markkanen and Simone Fontecchio erupted on offense during the opening half of Utah’s game against the Miami Heat.

The Heat hosted the Jazz at Miami-Dade Arena on Monday, March 13.

During the first 24 minutes of action, the duo combined to score 41 points on 23 field goal attempts.

In the first quarter, Fontecchio scored a game-high 11 points and Markkanen added seven points.

By halftime, the forwards helped the Jazz come back from down double-digits to take a 57-56 lead into the locker room at the break.

During the first two quarters, Markkanen had a game-high 21 points on 7-11 field goals. He added four rebounds and a steal in 16 minutes on the floor. Fontecchio poured in 20 points on 7-12 shooting. He added four rebounds, one assist, and a steal in 14 minutes.

never a doubt when SIMONEFONTECCHIO lets it fly 😎

(that's a career-high 20 points already btw)#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/iehQgEmbM3

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 14, 2023

This season, Fontecchio is averaging 4.6 points per game on 35.5 percent shooting, including 31.2 percent on three-pointers. He also averages 1.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.2 blocks, and 0.3 steals in 11.6 minutes per contest. He’s played in 40 games for the Jazz.

Markkanen is averaging 25.2 points per game, which ranks No. 14 in the NBA. The Arizona product is also averaging 8.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.6 steals in 34.4 minutes per game.

Lauri three counter: 🎯🎯🎯#Pura3Pointer | @pura pic.twitter.com/fjTSwyV9rc

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 14, 2023

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

Jazz vs. Heat

Utah will wrap up their season-long six-game road trip Monday night in Miami. The Jazz opened the trip with three consecutive losses but rebounded with back-to-back wins over the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets. The Heat meanwhile are looking for positive momentum to prepare for the playoffs after a disappointing season so far.

The Jazz will again be without Jordan Clarkson who is missing his fourth straight game due to a sprained finger on his left hand.

The high-scoring guard will miss his sixth game in his last seven outings due to hand injuries.

UPDATED @utahJazz Injury Report against the @MiamiHEAT.

*OUT – Jordan Clarkson (left hand – fourth finger sprain)

OUT – Micah Potter (G League – Two-Way)

OUT – Collin Sexton (left hamstring strain)#TakeNote | @kslsports

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) March 13, 2023

Clarkson also missed two games due to a thumb injury on his right hand before suffering his latest finger sprain.

The Jazz currently sit in the ninth seed in the West but are tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, and New Orleans Pelicans with a 33-35 record.

With a loss to Miami, the Jazz would fall to the 12th seed in the West.

LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz wrap up their road trip against the @MiamiHEAT on https://t.co/4kU961UAvR and the @KSLSportsZone.#TakeNote https://t.co/fqN9jm1pO7 pic.twitter.com/6TthAeebz5

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 13, 2023

Heat Need Strong Finish

The Heat will look to bounce back from Saturday night’s overtime loss to the Magic when they host the Jazz.

Miami got 38 points from superstar Jimmy Butler but were outscored by the Magic 18-6 in the extra period.

The Heat had won three out of four heading into Saturday’s loss and will look to regain that momentum before a road-heavy close to their season.

After facing the Jazz, Miami will play seven of its final 12 games away from home.

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