Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen Staying in Most Improved Player Hunt

Lauri Markkanen turned in another signature performance in what was ultimately a losing effort.

The Utah Jazz were defeated by the Miami Heat on Monday night, 119-115, in a game that featured a playoff-like atmosphere. As the contest approached its final minutes, it seemed the Jazz might hail victorious. 

The loss dropped the Jazz to 33-36, ranking now No. 12 of 15 teams in the Western Conference. If the playoffs started tomorrow, Utah would be out. 

The Jazz landed only three players in double-digit scoring, led by Lauri Markkenen's 38 points and eight boards. Markkanen was the only starter that registered a + game rating. 

Markkanen's performance has become quite the norm for Jazz Nation, and surely the voters will cast ballots his way when considering the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. I don't think anyone could have predicted his transformation, but the Jazz have a cemented cornerstone piece in Markkanen.

Also of note on Monday night was the 'Italian Jordan' — Simone Fontecchio — posting a career-high 23 points and sinking five three-point shots. Ochai Agbaji tossed in 14 points. 

Miami ultimately prevailed and improved its record to 37-33, while claiming the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Heat executed a balanced attack and landed seven players in double-digits. 

Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 24 points, followed by 18 points apiece from guards Tyler Herro and Gabe Vincent. All of the Heat starters registered a + game rating, yet all of their reserve players scored in the -.

This was a blow to Utah's playoff ambitions, as the team has a more than brutal schedule over the next two weeks. The Jazz will get a breather before facing the Boston Celtics on Saturday night at Vivint Smart Arena.

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