Eastern Conference Recaps, Feb. 1: Lauri Markkanen Makes Final Case For All-Star Spot In Utah Jazz's Win Against Raptors

Lauri Markkanen’s 28 points and 13 rebounds led the Utah Jazz to a 131-128 victory against the Toronto Raptors. Jordan Clarkson scored 23 points and rookie Walker Kessler had 17 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks.

Markkanen now will await and see if he is chosen as one of the reserves for the NBA All-Star game.

"I mean, if it happens, it's gonna be a great feeling," Markkanen said. "Obviously, I've said from Day 1 when I stepped into the league, it's a dream of mine and goal of mine on a personal level, but, obviously, it's not stopping there. Then you've got bigger goals ahead of you — and then just we've got a game on Friday," Markkanen said.

Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, his second career triple-double. Pascal Siakam had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Gary Trent had 20 points.

NEXT RAPTORS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 28 in Toronto

OTHER NOTES:

-The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 105-94 behind Joel Embiid’s 28 points and 11 rebounds.

“I didn't think we played great,” coach Doc Rivers said. “But we played good enough to win. We'll take that.”

James Harden recorded 26 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists and Tobias Harris had 16 points. Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 18 points while Franz Wagner and rookie Paolo Banchero had 13.

NEXT 76ERS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Feb. 27 in Philadelphia

NEXT MAGIC GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Feb. 11 in Orlando

-The Boston Celtics scored 46 points in the first quarter on the way to a 139-96 victory against the Brooklyn Nets.

Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and Jaylen Brown added 26. It was the eighth game this season they each scored at least 25 points.

“They're hungry,” said Robert Williams, who finished with 16 points. “They're still (upset) about last year.”

Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 20 points and Cam Thomas led all reserves with 19.

NEXT NETS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Feb. 15 in Brooklyn

NEXT JAZZ GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 13 at Miami

-Dejounte Murray’s 21 points led the Atlanta Hawks to a 132-100 victory against the Phoenix Suns. Trae Young had 20 points and 12 assists and Bogdan Bogdanovic led all reserves with 18. Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 23 points and Deandre Ayton had 20.

NEXT HAWKS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 4 at Miami

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog: https://substack.com/profile/114079068-cory-nelson?utm_source=account-card

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