The Finnish NBA star played a big role when the Utah Jazz won away from home in Toronto.
Lauri Markkanen was once again in Jazz’s lineup. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
Lauri Markkanen 30 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists led the Utah Jazz to a sweet victory against the pre-favorite Toronto Raptors. Jazz head coach Will Hardy didn’t skimp on their star player this time but gave him the most playing time, almost 39 minutes.
Two days earlier, Markkanen was not in the lineup when the Jazz faced the NBA jumbo team Detroit Pistons.
Along with Markkanen, Jazz’s carrying force had also bagged 30 points Jordan Clarkson. The playmaker had been sidelined for the last six matches.
The 2019 NBA champion Raptors squandered the victory as they took the opening half of the game, but collapsed badly in the latter. The Jazz won the last quarter by as much as 41–21. The match ended with Jazz winning 126–119.
Going into the Christmas break, the Jazz have played 30 games and won 12 of them. At this rate, the playoffs are once again becoming a dream, but the wins in the last two games will certainly create more faith in Salt Lake City.
On the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, Finnish time, the Jazz will meet the Western Jumbo San Antonio Spurs.