MADRID, 27 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish power forward Usman Garuba contributed in the Houston Rockets’ defeat (109-101) against the consistent Utah Jazz, who aspire to become the revelation of the new season, with an outstanding performance by the Finnish Lauri Markkanen.
The national player was on court for just over eight minutes to add 2 points -a great two-handed kill- and 5 rebounds and continue fighting to hold on to the Rockets’ rotation. In his third consecutive game with Stephen Silas’ men, the Spaniard showed his defensive prowess, determined not to waste any opportunities this year.
However, his team fell to the Jazz who are already, along with the Blazers, the team with the best record in the NBA with five games (four wins and one loss). The 24 points of Kevin Porter Jr or the 17 of Jalen Green in the Rockets, who are second to last in the West, were of no use.
The Rockets only held back some launched Jazz until the first quarter who took advantage of the state of grace in which Markkanen is immersed to distance themselves in the second and third quarters, with advantages of over 10 points. The Finn finished with 24 points, and is already averaging 22 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3 assists so far this season.
In the final quarter, Houston got to two, after a drop in the locals caused by the previous cushion on the scoreboard, but the transitions and the defensive strength made the victory stay at Vivint Smart.
-USMAN GARUBA: 2 points and 5 rebounds.
