Rockets add to NBA-worst mark as another opponent drops 40 points

Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen, left, goes up for a shot as Houston Rockets' Usman Garuba (16) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in Houston. The Jazz won 131-114. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)The Houston Rockets added another ignominious mark to their 2022-23 season Thursday night in a 131-114 loss to the Utah Jazz.

Thursday's defeat marked the Rockets' sixth straight and their 11th loss in the last 12 games, though it was one player's personal accomplishment that seemed emblematic of the team's struggles. Utah forward Lauri Markkanen poured in a career-high 49 points on 15 of 27 shooting, facing little resistance as he plowed his way to the rim.…