Despite the Utah Jazz finishing last in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record, Lauri Markkanen had a notable season individually. However, he played his fewest regular-season games to date, participating in only 42 out of a possible 82. His final game was on February 24th, where he achieved his career-high scoring average of 26.7 points. He was subsequently sidelined due to a stiff hip syndrome. Markkanen plans to use the upcoming national team games as a way to regain his playing form.
“We have a few international games, and I’m excited to play them again. It will give my NBA season a boost,” Markkanen stated with a smile.
Finland currently holds a 3-1 record in Group G of the European qualifiers, including a victory over France (83-76), with two remaining matches scheduled for July. The team will also play two more games in August, marking the start of a new six-game schedule in Group L.
