ATLANTA — — The best 3-point defense in the NBA is Lauri Markkanen and the utah jazz.
Markkanen scored a season-high 32 points as the Jazz rallied after blowing a 15-point lead Atlanta Hawks 125-119 on Wednesday nights.
Hawks opponents made only 32.5% of 3-pointers, the lowest mark in the league, before Utah sank 17-of-39 (43.6%). Many of those 3 were open catch-and-shoot attempts.
“That’s how we do it,” said Markkanen, who scored 6 out of 8 from long range. “We keep the ball in the air and we’re having fun. Just keep having fun. Keep beating them.”
Jordan Clarkson He scored 23 points, scoring at least 20 points in five straight games, giving the Western Conference-leading Jazz (10-3) a fourth straight win. Malik Beasley Added 18 points, all in 3 seconds.
Dejounte Murray scored 26 points, Trae Young Recovering from a slow start to add 22 for the Hawks, the Hawks led 90-85 into the final period.
While the Jazz had success with long-range shots, Murray thought the Hawks (who went 8 of 28 in 3s) missed too many chances.
“I think we got a lot of looks that we turned down,” he said. “That was what I kept preaching. …What we created must definitely be taken.”
The Jazz recovered with a 10-for-2 run to lead the fourth quarter, 95-92. His 3-pointer in his fifth for Markkanen extended it to 108-98.
deandre hunter3 cut Utah’s lead to 121-116 with a minute remaining, but Markkanen’s following basket pushed the advantage back to 7.
The Hawks (7-4) have a three-game winning streak.Atlanta wins Eastern Conference lead milwaukee bucks They won 117-98 on Monday night, but couldn’t beat the conference leaders.
After 15 points in the second quarter and a 63-54 tie at halftime, the Hawks outscored the Jazz 36-22 in the third period to take the lead. Young scored nine in the quarter after scoring only six in the first half.
“They came out hard in the third round,” said Markkanen. “I don’t think we were ready for that.”
Utah coach Will Hardy credited Utah’s backup for stopping Atlanta’s surge at the end of the third period and poised for a recovery in the fourth quarter.
“It kept us in the game,” said Hardy. “I am really proud of the way the players have responded to adversity along the way.”
make his mark
Markkanen added eight rebounds to extend his strong start to the season. He had five double-doubles while averaging 21.9 points in his first ten games for the Jazz.
The 7-foot forward scored Utah’s first six points on a free throw. “I just got into the line early and found my rhythm,” Markkanen said.
homecoming
Utah rookie walker kesslerA former Auburn standout player from Atlanta.
“I’m really happy for him,” Hardy said. “This was a mini-homecoming for him in front of a lot of family and friends.”
tip in
Jazz: Utah’s first nine were free throws, including Clarkson’s three. …F Jared Vanderbilt Started after being listed as suspect for right adductor pain. … Markkanen’s career-high is his 35 points. … Mike Conley Recorded 13 assists in one turnover.
Hawks: C clint capella He scored 15 points and equaled a season-high 19 rebounds. …Hunter was his 22nd. … Young returned after missing his one game with a sore right shin. He made 10 of 28 shots and added nine assists.
next
jazz: in Washington Wizards Saturday.
Hawks: Host Philadelphia 76ers Complete a four-game homestand on Thursday night.
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