Another night, another close game for the Utah Jazz. Tonight, behind the scoring of Lauri Markkanen and the defense of Walker Kessler, the Jazz edged out the Orlando Magic 112-108.
A really promising trend for Lauri Markkanen is starting to unfold. His shot tonight wasn’t falling inside, but it didn’t matter. Markkanen took 21 free throws tonight ... 21! He was relentlessly driving to the rim, putting pressure on the defense, and the Magic’s undersized defenders would constantly put him on the line instead of give up the easy bucket. This ability for Markkanen to get to the free throw line is massive because it means that even if his shot isn’t falling, he will still be a highly efficient scorer.