Jazz Star Lauri Markkanen Hits Early Three In Return Against Suns

Mar 27, 2023, 7:34 PM

Sports Producer & Locals in the NFL Insider

SALT LAKE CITY – After a two-game absence, Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen connected on an early attempt from behind the arc during Utah’s game against the Phoenix Suns.

The Jazz hosted the Suns at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah on Monday, March 27.

With 10:13 remaining in the opening quarter, Talen Horton-Tucker fed the ball to Markkanen, who unleashed a field goal attempt from 27 feet away. Markkanen’s shot went through the net to give Utah an early 3-2 advantage on the scoreboard.

🇫🇮 top of the key, three 🇫🇮#TakeNote | @MarkkanenLauri pic.twitter.com/8t3Vjmhf7Z

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 28, 2023

During his first stint on the court, the Arizona product had three points on 1-3 shooting, including 1-2 from downtown. He added two rebounds in his first six minutes on the hardwood.

This season, Markkanen is averaging 25.7 points per contest on 50.6 percent shooting, including 40.0 percent from distance. He also averages 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.6 steals in 34.4 minutes per contest. Markkanen has appeared in 65 games for the Jazz this season.

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

Suns vs. Jazz

Utah will look to snap its three-game losing streak when it hosts Phoenix on Monday night.

The Jazz dropped back-to-back games over the weekend falling in Sacramento on Saturday night after getting trounced by the Milwaukee Bucks in Utah on Friday.

The Suns meanwhile come to Utah after downing the Philadelphia 76ers in their last outing.

LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz host @Suns on https://t.co/4kU961UAvR and the @KSLSportsZone.#TakeNote https://t.co/BbSCba96YP pic.twitter.com/YBdySXWUiZ

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 28, 2023

Jazz Still Shorthanded

The Jazz will still be without Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton when they host the Suns as both high-scoring guards have been ruled out ahead of their matchup with Phoenix.

Clarkson hasn’t played since March 5 due to a finger injury on his non-shooting hand while Sexton has been out since the All-Star break due to a sprained hamstring.

Rudy Gay has also been ruled out for the Jazz with a back injury while rookie Simone Fontecchio will sit due to turf toe on his left foot.

All-Star Lauri Markkanen will return to the roster after missing the last two games with a bruise on his left hand.

Lauri Markkanen is AVAILABLE tonight for the @utahjazz against the @suns. #TakeNote

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 27, 2023

The Jazz currently sit in the 11th seed in the Western Conference a half-game behind the 10th-seeded Dallas Mavericks.

Suns Welcome Ayton Back

The Suns expect to welcome center DeAndre Ayton back to the lineup when they face the Jazz on Monday night.

📍 Salt Lake City, UT pic.twitter.com/kwVQMoZW24

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 27, 2023

The fifth-year center has been out of the lineup due to a hip contusion and hasn’t played since March 16.

The Suns will still be without Kevin Durant who is expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday when they return to Phoenix when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.