Markkanen, Beasley Torch Suns In 74-Point Jazz First Half
Nov 18, 2022, 8:16 PM
Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz (Photo: Utah Jazz)
(Photo: Utah Jazz)
SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen and Malik Beasley feasted on the Phoenix Suns en route to a 74-point half.
Markkanen and Beasley each scored 18 points in the first half as both players caught fire from the floor.
The veterans combined to shoot 14-20 from the field including 5-9 from the three-point as the Jazz veterans took a 74-66 lead over Phoenix in the first half.
just playin' in the paint 🇫🇮#TakeNote | @MarkkanenLauri pic.twitter.com/VLZLIOLOo6
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 19, 2022
Markkanen Breakout A Welcome Sign
Markkanen’s big first half is a welcome sign after the Finnish forward struggled over the last week of games.
The forward saw his 25.0 per game average drop to just 15.0 points over the Jazz last three games, while his rebounds also dipped. Teams have begun shifting their defensive focus onto Markkanen after regularly putting up huge numbers to open the season.
Markkanen’s numbers show a big discrepancy between wins and losses.
In 10 wins this year Markkanen averages 25.0 points and 9.1 rebounds. In six losses he averages 15.0 points and 7.3 rebounds.
Beasley Continues Recent Hot Streak
Beasley’s strong play is a continuation of his work over the last three games.
Beasley knocked down 40 percent of his impressive nine three-point attempts per game while averaging 16.0 points per game. He also added 4.7 rebounds and had a positive plus-minus despite the team going winless.
Congratulations Malik Beasley!
The @utahjazz guard and wife @montanayao welcomed a new baby girl on Friday. #takeNote | #Team49 https://t.co/PwomUainth
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 11, 2022
For the season Beasley is averaging 12.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 41 percent from the three-point line.
Perhaps the wing can credit his new daughter Mia Love Beasley who was born last week just before he started his hot streak.
The 25-year-old has come off the bench in all but two games for the Jazz this year, with two starts in place of the absent Jarred Vanderbilt.
Beasley’s season averages are slightly better than his numbers over the first six years of his career.
The Florida State product averaged 10.4 points and 2.5 rebounds during stops in Denver and Minnesota prior to joining the Jazz.
