Lauri Markkanen’s 34-point performance propelled the Utah Jazz to a 121-106 victory over the New York Knicks, snapping a four-game losing streak. The Jazz, now 4-12, stunned the 9-7 Knicks with a dominant offensive display on Saturday night.
Markkanen received support from Collin Sexton, who hit four crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter to finish with 25 points.
John Collins added a double-double, contributing 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Walker Kessler returned from injury with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.
New York struggled offensively, shooting just 39% from the field. OG Anunoby led the Knicks with a season-high 27 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed 23 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 16 points and 16 rebounds.
The Jazz controlled the tempo from the start, entering halftime with a 66-51 lead after a late surge in the second quarter.
The Knicks mounted a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, cutting the Jazz lead to eight. However, Utah responded with a decisive 10-0 run, punctuated by a Johnny Juzang three-pointer, to extend their lead to 104-86 with just over six minutes remaining.
New York’s defensive lapses, particularly in rotations and switches, contributed to the loss. Despite flashes of improved defense in the second half, the effort came too late to reverse the deficit.
The loss ends New York’s five-game winning streak and underscores the team’s reliance on efficient shooting to complement its offensive prowess. Miles McBride missed the game with a knee injury, further thinning the Knicks’ rotation.
