SALT LAKE CITY — Lauri Markkanen led the Utah Jazz with 32 points as they bounced back to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 131-119 on Wednesday night, snapping a three-game losing streak in the process.
Jazz Flip the Script After Previous Loss
The win was a dramatic turnaround for the Jazz, who had suffered a 132-113 loss to the Lakers just two days prior. Utah built a 25-point lead in this game—just 48 hours after trailing by 34 against L.A.
- Jordan Clarkson contributed 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
- Keyonte George recorded a double-double with 20 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds.
- Walker Kessler dominated inside, scoring 16 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and blocking 6 shots while making all 8 field-goal attempts.
Lakers Fall Despite Balanced Effort
The Lakers’ six-game winning streak ended despite a team effort led by:
- Rui Hachimura (19 points)
- LeBron James (18 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds)
- Luka Doncic (16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists in 23 minutes)
Doncic, playing just his second game with the Lakers since being acquired from Dallas, shot 6-of-13 but struggled with 5 turnovers.
Austin Reaves had 15 points and 11 assists, but he struggled from deep, going just 1-of-10 from three.
Key Moments
- First Quarter: The Jazz erased an early Lakers lead and finished the period up 33-30 after two late baskets from Markkanen.
- Second Quarter: The Lakers briefly took a 39-37 lead after a 9-0 run, but Utah responded with a 15-3 burst to lead 64-56 at halftime.
- Third Quarter: The Lakers cut the deficit to five on back-to-back three-pointers from James and Reaves, but Utah answered with two separate 11-0 runs to take control at 96-71.
The Jazz hit 15 three-pointers and shot 52.3% from the field, compared to the Lakers’ 44.6%.