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Lauri Markkanen · With the ink only just drying on his newly-signed five-year, $238 million extension, Lauri Markkanen left it confirmed, his goal of remaining locked into the Utah Jazz’s future plans. Over a 34-minute masterpiece to begin 2024-25’s campaign, though, Markkanen’s goal was simple and singular: unlocking himself of any defender the Memphis Grizzlies directed his way. Tangled into a half-faceguard, post front technique against 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, Markkanen — presented a free path towards the rim, if timed correctly — opts for logic, breaking free in perfect cohesion with a teammate’s lob. Matching its flawlessly-arced trajectory with equal intensity, Markkanen powers down an alley-oop jam, prompting a Salt Lake City celebration just minutes in. Utah fell one bucket shy of triumph on October 23, 2024’s high-scoring two-point loss. Markkanen, though, was in midseason form from the literal jump, piling up 35 points, nine rebounds, and two assists on elite efficiency from the field (9-of-15), from deep (three-of-five), and from the free throw line (14-of-15). · State of Mint