Rockets Fall To Jazz As Lauri Markkanen Scores Career-High In Houston

The Houston Rockets dropped their sixth consecutive game Thursday night in a 131-114 loss to the Jazz.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets dropped their sixth consecutive game Thursday night in a 131-114 loss to the Utah Jazz. 

The Rockets had better execution on both ends when compared to their lackluster performance 24 hours ago in New Orleans. Houston would have ended their losing streak if not for the All-Star-caliber play of Lauri Markkanen. 

He came into the game as one of two players (Stephen Curry) averaging over 20 points while shooting over 50.0 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from behind the arc. 

Against the Rockets, Markkanen finished with a career-high 49 points on 15-of-27 shooting while connecting on all 13 of his free-throw attempts. Markkanen set an early tone for the Jazz, as he scored 18 points during the first quarter. Houston trailed Utah 31-23 entering the second period. 

Jae'Sean Tate returned to the lineup after missing 35 games due to an ankle injury. He finished with 11 points, two rebounds and two assists and played a major role in keeping Houston in the game until the final minutes.

He scored his lone 3-point field goal at the 2:21 mark of the third quarter. Tate's basket gave the Rockets their first and only lead of the night. The Jazz closed the period on a 9-0 run to take a 95-86 lead into the fourth quarter.

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 30 points on 8-of-24 shooting. Kevin Porter Jr. added 23 points (8-of-22 FG, 5-of-13 3PT) and six rebounds in the loss. 

Alperen Sengun recorded his 20th career double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds.  

Following the loss, the Rockets will return to the court Sunday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tip-off is slated for 6 P.M. CT inside the Toyota Center.

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