The Utah Jazz defeated the Toronto Raptors 145-113 during Friday night’s NBA action. Lauri Markkanen was a key player for Utah, scoring 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds.
Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton contributed significantly, with 21 and 20 points, respectively. Kelly Olynyk led the bench with 10 rebounds, helping Utah to achieve their 10th victory in 12 games and their seventh consecutive win at home, bringing their season record to an even .500.
Utah’s dominance was evident in their 58-32 scoring advantage in the paint and their impressive tally of 21 3-pointers. They also outrebounded the Raptors 68-36. Jordan Clarkson reflected on the team’s enjoyable gameplay, noting the positive energy and impact on their defense.
“The game has just been fun,” Clarkson said. “When the ball is popping, and everybody is involved, I think the vibe is really good, and it carries over to our defense too.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors Updates
For the Raptors, Pascal Siakam led the scoring with 27 points, making a return after missing a game due to back spasms. Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickly added 19 and 15 points, respectively. However, their coach, Darko Rajakovic, questioned the Raptors’ energy levels as they suffered their third consecutive loss and concluded their six-game road trip with only two wins.
“We did not have energy,” Rajakovic said. “We got to learn how to close road trips, how to play those games away from home. It comes down to that mental toughness and discipline.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors Updates
A decisive moment in the game came in the second quarter when Markkanen’s successive baskets and free throws led to a 14-4 run, putting Utah ahead by double digits, highlighted by Clarkson’s 3-pointer. Despite Toronto’s 16 out of 24 performance from the 3-point range in the first three quarters, they struggled inside the arc, especially in the first half where they scored just six points in the paint.
Utah’s coach, Will Hardy, praised the team’s defensive strategy of closing down driving lanes and forcing the Raptors to rely on perimeter shooting. The Jazz continued their impressive performance into the third quarter, with Simone Fontecchio sparking a run with his scoring, contributing to Utah’s season-high 41 points in that quarter.
“We did a good job of shifting,” Hardy said. “The guys on the ball did a good job of containing the initial drive.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors Updates
The Jazz’s teamwork was also a highlight, with five players each registering five or more assists. Hardy commended the team’s fluid ball movement and unselfish play.
“The ball is really moving around,” Hardy said. “I think everyone feels involved in what we’re doing.”
Looking ahead, Toronto will host the Boston Celtics while Utah prepares to face the Los Angeles Lakers at home.
