Lauri Markkanen continued his torrid 2022-23 season with a game-high 49 points, leading the Utah Jazz to a 131-114 win (box score) on Thursday night at Houston’s Toyota Center. The 7-foot-0 Finnish forward shot 15-of-27 from the field (55.6%), 6-of-15 from 3-point range (40.0%), and 13-of-13 on free throws.
The Rockets (10-29), who remain in last place in the Western Conference, have now lost six straight games and 11 of 12 overall. The Jazz (20-21) snapped a five-game losing streak and remain squarely in the mix for the West’s play-in tournament for the 2023 NBA playoffs.
Jalen Green led Houston in defeat with 30 points and 4 assists, making 10-of-11 from the free-throw line (90.9%). It was Green’s first 30-point game since a Dec. 11 victory versus Milwaukee.
Alperen Sengun added 20 points (50.0% FG) and 14 rebounds, while Kevin Porter Jr. had 23 points and 6 assists. Jae’Sean Tate returned from a multi-month absence due to a right ankle injury and scored 11 points in 19 reserve minutes, making 5-of-8 shots (62.5%) from the field.
Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interview reaction. Houston concludes its brief two-game homestand on Sunday versus Minnesota, with the tip from Toyota Center at 6 p.m. Central.
Highlights
Analysis and Interviews
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