Markkanen, Conley energy Jazz to 131-128 win over Raptors

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Lauri Markkanen had 28 factors and 13 rebounds and Mike Conley added a three-point play and two clutch free throws within the closing minutes to elevate the Utah Jazz to a 131-128 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night time.

Toronto’s Fred VanVleet had his second profession triple-double with 34 factors, a career-best 12 rebounds and 10 assists, however the Jazz overcame that effort by taking pictures 53% and making key play after key play down the stretch.

Conley, who had 19 factors and eight assists, drew Pascal Siakam’s sixth foul on a head faux and accomplished a three-point play to offer the Jazz a 120-113 lead with 2:13 remaining. VanVleet stored the Raptors shut together with his 3-point taking pictures, however the Raptors couldn’t full the comeback effort.

Conley’ hit two free throws with 12.2 seconds left to seal the win and the Jazz who moved above .500 at 27-26.

Jordan Clarkson scored seven of his 23 factors within the ultimate 1:39 and Walker Kessler added 17 factors, 14 rebounds and matched a profession finest with seven blocked photographs for Utah, which has gained 5 of its final seven video games.

Siakam scored 21 earlier than fouling out, Gary Trent Jr. had 20 factors and the Raptors stayed within the recreation with a season-high with 25 offensive rebounds.

Kessler had NBA season-best six blocked photographs within the first quarter, tying the franchise report that Mark Eaton set on Feb. 18, 1989, in opposition to San Antonio. Eaton had six blocks in each the second and fourth quarter and 14 total in that recreation.

VanVleet had his first profession triple-double final season (37 factors, 10 assists and 10 rebounds) in opposition to the Jazz on Jan. 7.

The Jazz, at occasions, confirmed their youth — failing to field out for rebounds, turning the ball over and sluggish getting again on protection, which led to twenty-eight fast-break factors for Toronto.

Malik Beasley had 4 3s and all 14 of his factors within the first half because the Jazz led by as many as 14 factors. The Raptors minimize it to 65-60 on the break, thanks to fifteen factors off Utah’s 11 turnovers. Toronto had simply two giveaways and 15 offensive rebounds in the identical span.

TIP-INS

Raptors: Scottie Barnes was introduced Tuesday as a part of the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars, which will probably be performed in Utah on Feb. 17. … VanVleet was known as for a uncommon eight-second halfcourt violation within the third quarter. … O.G. Anunoby missed his third straight recreation with a left wrist sprain.

Jazz: Detroit Lion Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson sat courtside. … Conley was initially signaled for a technical foul, which might have been his first in 16 seasons, nevertheless it was modified and assessed to Kelly Olynyk. … Kessler can even play within the Rising Stars recreation.

UP NEXT

Raptors: Continue seven-game street journey – their longest since 2007 — at Houston on Friday.

Jazz: Host Atlanta on Friday.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports