Lauri Markkanen Scores Career-High 51 Points in Utah Jazz Overtime Win Over Suns

Lauri Markkanen scored a career-high 51 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz to a 138-134 overtime victory against the Phoenix Suns, marking the first Jazz 50-point game since Karl Malone in 1998. Despite the Jazz having low expectations entering the season due to past poor performances, Markkanen's versatile scoring and aggressive play have given the team a new identity, helping them win two of their first three games. The Suns, missing key players Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, suffered their third straight loss despite strong efforts from Devin Booker and Mark Williams. Markkanen's performance was part of a recent surge in high-scoring games early in the 2025-26 NBA season, with multiple players reaching or surpassing 50 points, highlighting the league's offensive explosion. The Jazz overcame a late-game collapse in regulation, with critical free throws from Markkanen in overtime securing the win. Utah's head coach, Will Hardy, praised Markkanen's leadership and presence on the court, signaling potential competitiveness for the team despite low preseason expectations.