By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Utah Jazz sneaking into the Play-In zone of the Western Conference has featured plenty of brilliant showings from Lauri Markkanen. Confirming his nickname, the Finnisher hit a couple of late daggers to seal the win over the Washington Wizards in the Capital One Arena.
Bouncing back from three losses in a row, his side improved to 23-23 on Thursday. “Just got back to our normal self,” commented the Finnish forward, “It was not perfect tonight, but we definitely brought the energy.”
Outrebounding the hosts, 52-35, helped spoil the debut of the Wizards interim head coach Brian Keefe. Wes Unseld Jr. officially transitioned to the front office before the game.
“We knew that if we are going to rebound the ball tonight, we give ourselves a chance to win,” noted Markkanen.
“I try to do my part to knock down some shots and feel good at the end,” he added after putting up 29 points behind 11/20 field goals, including 6/12 from beyond the arc. His contribution stretched to seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Shooting 49% from the field and averaging 23.6 points to go with 8.7 rebounds per contest throughout the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season, Markkanen is building a bid for a second straight appearance in the annual All-Star Game.
Facing the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, and the New York Knicks on Tuesday completes a six-game road trip for the team coached by Will Hardy.
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