Lauri Markkanen ‘Finnishes’ Alley-Oop Slam
Jan 4, 2025, 7:45 PM | Updated: Jan 6, 2025, 2:36 pm
MIAMI, Florida – Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen are forming a beautiful duo as the pair connected for an alley-oop dunk with Utah blowing out Miami.
The Jazz (7-25) take on the Heat (17-15) in Kaseya Center on Saturday, January 4.
RELATED: Utah Jazz Control First Half Against Miami Heat
🛳️ cruising his way to 15 points 🛳️#TakeNote | @markkanenlauri pic.twitter.com/gfWbukTjDz
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 5, 2025
Leading by 30 midway through the third, George had possession near the center court logo. After surveying the floor, the second-year guard lofted a perfectly placed pass to Markkanen cutting back door. Markkanen rose above the defense and threw down a two-handed slam.
Miami has shown little fight since an initial push. Utah has outscored the heat 28-15 in the third quarter and lead 90-59.
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Heat Suspend Jimmy Butler
Six years in Miami appears to be enough for the relationship between the franchise and disgruntled 35-year-old forward Jimmy Butler. The Heat suspended Butler on Friday, January 3, for ‘conduct detrimental to the team’ after Butler suggested he could not find his joy on the court again with Miami.
Technically, the suspension is for seven games, but it seems unlikely Butler will play another game for the team. The NBA Players Association indicated they would appeal the suspension.
Miami HEAT statement on Jimmy Butler:
We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 4, 2025
How will Miami respond without their franchise cornerstone of the last half-decade?
If he never plays another game for the Heat, Butler ends his tenure with averages of 21.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals. Butler was the anchor for two Miami NBA Finals appearances.
Tonight is the team’s first game without Butler.
Follow the Utah Jazz with KSL Sports
Tonight’s game against the Heat is being televised on KJZZ, streamed on Jazz+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
Find KSLSports.com coverage of the Utah Jazz here.
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Brian Preece is a KSLsports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball coverage here.
