Lauri Markkanen helps Jazz rout Clippers

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Lauri Markkanen had 34 points and 12 rebounds to help the Utah Jazz beat the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers 126-103 on Wednesday night.

After missing two games with a broken hip, Markkanen was able to return. He made six 3-pointers this season and scored at least 30.

Markkanen was close to the basket and the perimeter. He also made a strong dunk over Ivica Zurbac, followed by a 3-pointer that gave Utah a 78 to 62 lead in the final quarter.

The Jazz won wire-to–wire by as much as 25 points over the tired Clippers in the second game of a back–to-back set without Kawhi Leonard or Paul George. The Jazz (24-24), have won four of five of their last five games.

Mike Conley scored 17 points with nine rebounds, Jordan Clarkson scored 16, and Walker Kessler scored 13 points and had 11 rebounds.

Los Angeles’ Norman Powell was the star with 30 points. Zubac had 15 points and 12 boards. Clippers (23-24) are down nine games in a row.

Leonard (right knee) and George (right hamstring) played Tuesday night in the Clippers’ 120-110 loss to Philadelphia, but both sat out the Utah game to recover.

John Wall is currently out with an abdominal strain. Los Angeles wanted Luke Kennard back (right leg), but it will take longer.

The Jazz scored 19 of 32 3s for 52%t and beat the Clippers by 50 to 34 in the paint

TIP-INS

Clippers: Coach Tyronn Lue received a technical in quarter three. … Powell went 5 for 6 from 3-point range in the first half. … L.A. had 15 offensive rebounds, leading to 26 second-chance points, but made only 22 of 58 2-pointers.

Jazz: Kelly Olynyk (ankle), a regular starter for the Jazz, missed his fifth game. … The Jazz shot 65% from 3 through three quarters.

UP NEXT

Clippers: At San Antonio on Friday night.

Jazz: Brooklyn hosts jazz on Friday night.

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