Lauri Markkanen continued his torrid 2022-23 season with a game- and career-high 49 points, leading the Utah Jazz to a 131-114 win (box score) on Thursday night at Houston’s Toyota Center.
The 7-foot Finnish forward shot 15-of-27 from the field (55.6%), 6-of-15 from 3-point range (40%) and 13-of-13 on free throws.
The Rockets (10-29), who remain in last place in the Western Conference, have lost six straight games and 11 of 12 overall. The Jazz (20-21) snapped a five-game losing streak.
Jalen Green led Houston in defeat with 30 points and 4 assists, making 10-of-11 from the free-throw line (90.9%). It was Green’s first 30-point game since a Dec. 11 victory versus Milwaukee.
Alperen Sengun added 20 points (50% FG) and 14 rebounds, while Kevin Porter Jr. had 23 points and 6 assists. Jae’Sean Tate returned from a multi-month absence due to a right ankle injury and scored 11 points in 19 reserve minutes, making 5-of-8 shots (62.5%) overall.
Scroll on for highlights, analysis and postgame interview reaction. Houston concludes its two-game homestand on Sunday versus Minnesota. The tip from Toyota Center is 6 p.m. Central.