NBA Twitter reels from shock as Lauri Markkanen stuns the Rockets with his record-breaking performance


NBA Twitter reels from shock as Lauri Markkanen stuns the Rockets with his record-breaking performance

Laurie drops 40+

The Houston Rockets lost their 6th consecutive game on Thursday night as the Lauri Markkanen-led Utah Jazz beat them 131-114. For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen had a spectacular first-quarter debut. Ten of Utah’s first 14 points came from him. Markkanen continued to rule as Houston took a timeout early on. After that, he contributed 18 of Utah’s first 27 points while shooting 7 of 9 from the field and 4 of 6 from beyond the arc.

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Markkanen has been carrying the Jazz during the Christmas season. Since December 20th, his scoring ranking in the NBA is sixth. Compared to their mediocre effort in New Orleans the day before, the Rockets executed better on both sides of the court today. If Lauri Markkanen’s performance had not been of All-Star caliber, Houston would have snapped their losing skid. Here’s how Twitter reacted to Markkanen’s performance today

Markkanen finished with a career-high 49 points against the Rockets on 15 of 27 shooting while making all 13 of his free throw attempts. He gave the Jazz a strong start by scoring 18 points in the opening frame. Utah led Houston 31–23 at the start of the second half.

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The Rockets were led by Jalen Green, who scored 30 points on 8 of 24 shooting. In the defeat, Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 23 points (8-of-22 FG, 5-of-13 3PT) and six rebounds., This game was also the return of Jae’Sean Tate who made a comeback to the lineup after missing 35 games. He contributed significantly to Houston’s ability to stay in the game until the very end, finishing with 11 points, two rebounds, and two assists.

Related:

NBA Twitter reacts as Utah Jazz suffer a heartbreaking loss against the Sacramento Kings

Lauri Markkanen ends Utah’s 5-game losing streak

Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen

Despite losing five straight games, the Jazz have only been outscored by a total of 15 points during that time. The ball was still on Lauri Markkanen’s fingers as time expired on Tuesday, preventing him from making the game-winning three-pointer that would have given the Jazz a victory against the Sacramento Kings.

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On New Year’s Eve, Miami Heat player Tyler Herro sunk the Jazz 126-123 at the buzzer with a sprinting three-pointer. Before the two defeats at home, the Jazz lost by one in Sacramento after Markkanen missed what could have been the game-winning shot, by three at Golden State after giving up a double-digit lead in the second half, and by four at San Antonio despite a late-game frantic charge.

However, in the game against the Rockets, Lauri Markkanen made sure that Utah took home the victory. Even though Utah were without their guard Collin Sexton who missed the Jazz’s second straight game as he continues to recover from a right hamstring ailment the future appears bright for the Jazz with Markkanen leading them

In case you missed it:

“This NBA sh*t rigged” – Fans in disbelief as Anfernee Simons bullies Utah Jazz with a 45-point stellar performance in Damian Lillard’s absence

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