TORONTO — Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen’s scoring prowess powered the Utah Jazz to a remarkable comeback victory, overcoming a 17-point deficit to defeat the Toronto Raptors 126-119 on Saturday night. Clarkson, who was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, scored 30 points, matching Markkanen’s tally.
Clarkson’s performance was crucial in the final quarter, where he scored 16 of his 30 points. His return, along with Markkanen’s, provided a significant boost to the Jazz, who had been struggling on the road with a 4-13 record away from home. Markkanen was back on the court after missing a game due to a sore left hamstring, while Clarkson had been sidelined for six games with a sore right hamstring.
Jazz coach Will Hardy commended Clarkson’s seamless integration back into the team, highlighting his strong meshing with teammates. Kris Dunn also played a pivotal role, distributing a season-high 13 assists, alongside 16 points from Collin Sexton and 10 each from John Collins and Walker Kessler.
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with a career-matching high of 32 points and added 14 rebounds. Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby each contributed 19 points, with Gary Trent Jr. and Dennis Schroder scoring 16 and 11 points, respectively.
The Jazz, trailing 98-85 after three quarters, mounted an impressive comeback in the fourth. They used a 19-6 run, capped by Clarkson’s layup, to tie the game at 104. The Raptors’ coach Darko Rajakovic noted the shift in momentum at the start of the third quarter that allowed Utah to claw back into the game.
Markkanen and Clarkson then combined to propel the Jazz ahead, scoring 10 straight points to secure a 116-106 lead with just over four minutes remaining. Markkanen praised the team’s resilience and determination in achieving the turnaround.
The Jazz were without Talen Horton-Tucker and Keyonte George due to foot injuries, yet managed to pull off their third consecutive win against Toronto.
Looking ahead, the Jazz will visit San Antonio on Tuesday night, while the Raptors embark on a three-game trip starting in Washington on Wednesday.
