Jazz Crush Clippers In Lauri Markkanen Return

SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen scored 34 points in his return from a two-game absence, and the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles Clippers 126-103.

Markkanen shot 11-20 from the floor including 6-8 from three, while Normal Powell led the Clippers with 30 points.

With the win, the Jazz jumped the Clippers in the Western Conference standings.

First Quarter

The Jazz jumped out to a quick 22-9 lead thanks to seven points from Lauri Markkanen.

The Clippers battled back, but the Jazz were able to keep their double-digit lead for the majority of the opening period.

The Utah Jazz opened up a 9-0 lead in the first 90 seconds of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Lauri Markkanen came back from his 2-game absence with 7 quick points on 3 for 4 shooting. 🔥#TakeNote https://t.co/Wf8XPuqwof

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 19, 2023

Markkanen finished with 10 points while Norman Powell led the Clippers with 12.

After one the Jazz led the Clippers 36-26.

Second Quarter

Markkanen scored 11 points in his first stint on the floor in the second quarter and added another three late to bring his first half total to 24 points.

The Jazz shot 11-17 from three with Markkanen, Mike Conley, and Jordan Clarkson each knocking down at least first half deep balls.

Walker Kessler throws up the 🛑, blocking Zubac at the rim 🏀#TakeNotehttps://t.co/HBYEoh1q4S

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 19, 2023

Powell had 20 for the Clippers on 5-6 shooting from three.

At the break the Jazz led the Clippers 68-56.

Third Quarter

Markkanen never took his foot off the gas, pushing his scoring total to 32 points to go with 10 rebounds, including a monstrous dunk over Ivica Zubac.

The Jazz lead climbed to 88-73, while Kessler recorded a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks.

Lauri Markkanen had an INSANE posterizing-dunk on Clippers Center Ivica Zubac. 💪#TakeNote https://t.co/hIbZo6TMkY

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 19, 2023

Despite shooting 13-20 from the three through the first 36 minutes the Jazz were unable to run away from the Clippers.

After three, the Jazz led the Clippers 95-81.

Fourth Quarter

The Jazz opened the quarter on an 11-3 run including three consecutive threes, building their lead to 22.

The Clippers answered back, trimming the lead to 14 midway through the period thanks to their own hot three-point shooting.

Mike Conley takes over in 4th for @utahjazz 🏀#TakeNote https://t.co/fDfWrjJmF3

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 19, 2023

Markkanen led all scorers with 34 points and 12 rebounds while Powell added 30 for the Clippers.

The Jazz beat the Clippers 126-103.

Follow @benshoops