Lauri Markkanen Scores 51, Leads Jazz to Overtime Win Over Suns

UPDATE: In a stunning display of skill and determination, Lauri Markkanen scored a career-high 51 points as the Utah Jazz triumphed over the Phoenix Suns 138-134 in overtime on October 30, 2023. This marks the first time since Karl Malone in 1998 that a Jazz player has reached the 50-point milestone in a regular season game.

Markkanen’s historic performance not only led his team to victory but also highlighted his resilience as he helped the Jazz recover from a dramatic late-game setback. Utah squandered a seven-point lead in the final 19 seconds of regulation, yet Markkanen stepped up in overtime, contributing seven points during the extra period.

Finishing the game with 14 rebounds, Markkanen made an impressive 17 free throws without a miss, tying the record for the most free throws made without a miss in Jazz history. His achievement surpassed his previous record of 49 points set earlier this year on January 5, 2023. This performance is now the highest single-game scoring effort by a Jazz player since Malone’s 56 points against Golden State on April 7, 1998.

Additionally, Markkanen became the first player in Jazz history to record 50 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 made 3-pointers in a single game, solidifying his status as a key player for the team. Teammates Keyonte George and Walker Kessler also shone, contributing 26 points with 10 assists and 25 points with 11 rebounds respectively.

The Jazz, with a record of 2-1, are exceeding expectations, showing potential for a strong season despite predictions they would finish near the bottom of the standings. Meanwhile, the Suns, now 1-3, have suffered three consecutive losses, raising concerns about their performance going forward.

In a thrilling finish, George executed a crucial bank shot with 40 seconds left in overtime to regain the lead, followed by Markkanen’s two decisive free throws with just 1.9 seconds remaining. Earlier in the game, the Jazz had led most of the way, dominating until late-game heroics from Suns’ Devin Booker, who scored 24 of his 34 points after halftime. Booker’s late three-pointers and a rebound play forced overtime, showcasing the high stakes of this matchup.

As the Jazz look to build on this momentum, fans will be eager to see if Markkanen can continue this level of performance in upcoming games. The next challenge for Utah will be against the Los Angeles Lakers, where they hope to maintain their winning streak.

Stay tuned for more updates as this season unfolds, with the Jazz demonstrating that they can compete at a high level in the league.