Home / Sports / Jazz Star Markkanen Erupts for Career-High 51 Points in Overtime Thriller
Jazz Star Markkanen Erupts for Career-High 51 Points in Overtime Thriller
28 Oct
Summary
- Lauri Markkanen scores career-high 51 points for Utah Jazz
- First Jazz player to reach 50 points in regular season since 1998
- Jazz recover after blowing 7-point lead late in regulation
On October 28, 2025, Lauri Markkanen delivered a historic performance, scoring a career-high 51 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a thrilling 138-134 overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns. Markkanen's explosive outing marked the first time a Jazz player has reached the 50-point milestone in the regular season since Karl Malone in 1998.
The Jazz appeared to have the game in hand, leading by 7 points with just 19 seconds remaining in regulation. However, the Suns mounted a furious comeback, with Devin Booker draining two clutch 3-pointers to force overtime. Undeterred, Markkanen stepped up in the extra period, scoring 7 crucial points to secure the win for the Jazz.
Alongside Markkanen's heroics, Keyonte George contributed 26 points and 10 assists, while Walker Kessler added 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. The Jazz, who were expected to struggle this season, now stand at 2-1 and are just a rebound away from being undefeated.
The Suns, playing without injured starters Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, received strong performances from Booker (34 points) and Grayson Allen (23 points). However, their comeback efforts ultimately fell short against the inspired Jazz.
