Jazz F Lauri Markkanen Named WC Player of the Week

Coming off of the heels of winning the 2023 Finnish Sportsman of the Year, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has been named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week. The Jazz posted a 4-0 record, while Markkanen averaged 24.5 points per game while also hauling in 11.0 rebounds.

Last season was a breakout year for Markkanen. After being acquired by Utah in the Donovan Mitchell exchange in September of 2022, Markkanen has exceeded expectations around the league.

In his first year in Salt Lake City, he averaged 25.6 points while hauling in 8.6 rebounds. Those numbers were enough to earn his first All-Star appearance as well as The Most Improved Player of the Year.

Markkanen isn't showing any signs of slowing down in 2024, either. He’s putting up similar numbers with a 23.7 points and 8.8 rebounds stat line, but more importantly, he has led the Jazz back into the playoff conversation. Utah is only three games removed from a playoff spot.

It’s been an eventful season for Utah’s leading scorer. Markkanen has also led the Jazz in the most impressive stretch during his tenure. The Jazz have gone 14-4 and have a five-game winning streak heading into the Indiana Pacers contest.

Can Markkanen lead Utah to its first playoff berth in the Will Hardy era? It’s looking plausible as we enter the midpoint of the season. It’s looking like a 50-50 proposition if the Jazz can stay somewhat healthy.

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