Post by : Maya Rahman

Lauri Markkanen delivered one of the best performances of his career as he powered the Utah Jazz to a thrilling 138-134 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns in Salt Lake City on Monday night. The Finnish forward scored a career-high 51 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to guide his team to victory in an intense, back-and-forth contest. His flawless shooting from the free-throw line and leadership in crunch moments were crucial for the Jazz, who recorded their second win in three games to start the season.

Markkanen’s 51 points came from an efficient mix of shooting and free throws. He went a perfect 17-for-17 from the free-throw line and hit six of his 13 three-point attempts. This was the first time since 1998 that a Utah Jazz player scored at least 50 points in a regular-season game—the last being Hall of Famer Karl Malone. The crowd at Delta Center cheered loudly as Markkanen hit the game-clinching free throws with just 1.9 seconds remaining in overtime.

While Markkanen was the star, Utah’s supporting cast played vital roles in the win. Rookie guard Keyonte George recorded a strong double-double with 26 points and 10 assists, showing maturity beyond his years. Walker Kessler also impressed with 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Both players contributed important plays during overtime, helping Utah secure the victory after a tense battle that saw multiple lead changes.

For the Phoenix Suns, it was a disappointing end to a tough three-game road trip. Devin Booker led the team with 34 points, including five three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to avoid their third straight defeat. Mark Williams came off the bench to add 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Grayson Allen contributed 23 points and Royce O’Neale had 17. The Suns showed determination by coming back from a 20-point deficit and forcing overtime late in regulation.

The extra period was filled with drama as both teams traded baskets and leads. Utah jumped ahead by five points early in overtime, but Phoenix responded with an 8-0 run to take a brief lead. However, clutch free throws from Markkanen and Keyonte George, followed by a key rebound from Kessler, turned the momentum back in Utah’s favor. Markkanen sealed the win with two final free throws, confirming his unforgettable night.

Before overtime, the Suns nearly pulled off an incredible comeback. They trailed by 12 points in the fourth quarter and by six with just 11 seconds remaining. Devin Booker hit a quick three-pointer to narrow the gap, then helped force overtime after Mark Williams tipped in a missed shot with under two seconds left. That sequence stunned the Utah crowd, but Markkanen and his teammates remained composed to finish the job in the extra period.

The Jazz started the game hot, taking a 27-7 lead early in the first quarter. However, Phoenix fought back strongly, cutting the deficit to 12 by the end of the quarter and to just three by halftime. Markkanen led all scorers in the first half with 20 points, keeping Utah narrowly ahead at 64-61. His consistent scoring ensured the Jazz stayed competitive even as the Suns’ offense found its rhythm.

This 51-point night marked Lauri Markkanen’s fourth career 40-point game, but easily his most memorable. His accuracy, composure, and ability to perform under pressure showed his growth as a leader for Utah. With performances like this, he continues to establish himself as one of the most dominant forwards in the NBA today. Fans and analysts alike hailed his display as one of the best individual efforts of the young season.

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