Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen led the Utah Jazz to a remarkable comeback victory, scoring 30 points in a 126-119 win over the Toronto Raptors during Saturday’s NBA action. The Jazz, overcoming a 17-point deficit, were propelled by Clarkson’s 16 fourth-quarter points and Markkanen’s strong return after missing a game.
Collin Sexton contributed 16 points, while John Collins and Walker Kessler each added 10. Kris Dunn stood out with a season-high 13 assists, helping Utah secure their second consecutive road victory despite their overall 4-13 away record.
Clarkson, who recently returned after missing six games due to a hamstring injury, was praised by coach Will Hardy and teammate Markkanen for seamlessly blending back into the team’s rhythm. Markkanen, also back from a hamstring issue, added nine rebounds to his scoring efforts.
“He showed the level of player that he is, missing time with an injury and coming back, first game, and playing like that,” Markkanen said. “It’s awesome to see. I know he’s been waiting for this for a while. Happy for him, and we definitely needed him tonight.”
The Jazz, who have now won three consecutive games against the Raptors, faced a significant deficit at halftime but outscored Toronto 71-48 in the second half, including a dominant 41-21 in the fourth quarter. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the shift in momentum following the Jazz’s strong start to the third quarter.
“The way we started the third quarter just gave them life,” Rajakovic said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors Updates
Scottie Barnes matched his career-high with 32 points and 14 rebounds for Toronto. Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby each scored 19 points, with Gary Trent Jr. and Dennis Schroder contributing 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Utah’s comeback was ignited by a 19-6 run in the fourth quarter, culminating in a game-tying layup by Clarkson. After trading baskets with the Raptors, the Jazz surged ahead with a decisive 10-point run, led by Markkanen and Clarkson, to secure their lead.
“That just showed our heart as a team,” Markkanen said of Utah’s second-half turnaround. “It was good to really grind one out.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors Updates
The Jazz were without guard Talen Horton-Tucker due to a sore foot, and Keyonte George also missed the game with a foot injury.
Looking ahead, the Jazz will face the San Antonio Spurs, while the Raptors begin a three-game trip, starting with the Washington Wizards.
