SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen wasted no time making his impact felt with a big dunk upon returning to the Utah Jazz lineup.
The forward had missed nine straight games before returning for the Jazz’s final contest of a five-game road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Lauri Markkanen Dunks With One Hand Against Grizzlies
Markkanen’s dunk came in the first half against Memphis as the Jazz jumped out to an early 16-9 lead, but fell behind 30-24 by the end of the first quarter.
The Finnish forward had seven points at the half on 3-9 shooting, including just 1-4 from the three-point line.
𝐁𝐈𝐆 Finnishes at the rim 😈
great to have you back, Lauri 🇫🇮 pic.twitter.com/bgV6nkoiU5
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 13, 2025
Markkanen has been dunking less this season than in years past.
The All-Star had 57 dunks entering Wednesday night’s game, after recording 77 last season, and 111 in 2022-23.
Jazz Fined For Resting Markkanen
The NBA announced it has fined the Utah Jazz $100,000 for sitting Lauri Markkanen in their March 5 meeting with the Washington Wizards.
The league levied the fine as part of a recently enacted policy to encourage player participation by star players in road games.
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“The violation occurred when the Jazz failed to make Lauri Markkanen, a star player under the Policy, available for the team’s game against the Washington Wizards on March 5 at Capital One Arena, as well as other recent games,” the league announced.
Markkanen has missed 22 games of the Jazz’s 65 games this season due to lingering back spasms which began on October 31.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone . Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.