Lauri Markkanen’s impressive performance of 33 points and 13 rebounds powered the Utah Jazz to a 120-109 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. Collin Sexton added 22 points and 10 assists, while John Collins contributed 19 points. Jordan Clarkson and Walker Kessler also played crucial roles with 18 and 10 points, respectively.
On the Sixers’ side, Tyrese Maxey led with 25 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 24. Paul Reed had a season-high 16 points, Marcus Morris Sr. scored 15, and Patrick Beverley chipped in with 12. However, the Sixers were without key players, including Joel Embiid (left knee swelling), Tobias Harris (left ankle soreness), De’Anthony Melton (back), Furkan Korkmaz (illness), and Robert Covington (illness).
Despite the absence of key players, the Jazz struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc, shooting just 7 of 38 from 3-point range. However, they managed to secure a 58-57 halftime lead in a closely contested game.
The Jazz extended their lead in the fourth quarter, with Clarkson’s three-point play putting them ahead 96-81. Although the Sixers attempted a comeback, with Oubre Jr. and Reed making impactful plays, the Jazz maintained control. Markkanen’s 3-pointer, along with layups from Sexton, pushed the lead to 110-95 with 5:10 left, effectively sealing the victory for the Jazz.
This win marked a bounce-back for the Jazz after a recent loss, while the Sixers struggled without key players, falling to a 2-6 record in games without Joel Embiid this season.
