When Lauri Markkanen sank his final free throw with 12 seconds left in overtime, the roar at Vivint Arena didn’t just celebrate a win—it honored history. On October 27, 2025, the Utah Jazz outlasted the Phoenix Suns 138-134 in a wild, back-and-forth thriller that ended with Markkanen posting a franchise-record 51 points, 14 rebounds, and six three-pointers. It was the first time in the Utah Jazz’s 51-year history that a player cracked the 50-point barrier. And it came on a night when the team was trailing by 15 in the third quarter, when the crowd was restless, and when the pressure was mounting after two straight losses to open the season.
A Night That Rewrote the Record Books
Markkanen, the 7-foot-1 Finnish forward, didn’t just score—he dominated. He made 18 of 32 field goals, hit 6 of 12 from deep, and went a perfect 9-for-9 from the line. His 51 points surpassed the previous Jazz record of 47, set by Adrian Dantley on January 4, 1984. That’s 41 years of history, erased in one night. Markkanen’s performance came in his 487th NBA game, his eighth season, and his second with the Jazz after stints with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s no stranger to big games, but this? This was different. The crowd knew it. The league knew it. Even the Suns, who’d been fighting hard all night, had to acknowledge it.
The Suns’ Fight and Booker’s Heroics
Don’t let the final score fool you—the Phoenix Suns weren’t outplayed. Devin Booker, the 28-year-old All-Star guard, carried them with 34 points and 10 assists, nearly single-handedly keeping Phoenix alive in the fourth quarter. He hit step-back threes, drove through double teams, and even drew a foul on Markkanen in the final minute of regulation to send the game to overtime. But even Booker’s brilliance couldn’t overcome the sheer volume of Markkanen’s offense. The Suns, now 1-3 on the season, have lost three in a row. Head coach Frank Vogel, hired in June 2023, is under increasing scrutiny. After a promising 2024-25 campaign, this start feels like a collapse in slow motion.
The Jazz’s Rise and the Weight of History
The Utah Jazz haven’t been a playoff contender since 2022. But this win—this performance—feels like a turning point. Keyonte George, the 22-year-old guard, added 26 points off the bench, proving the Jazz have more than just Markkanen. They’ve got depth. They’ve got energy. And they’ve got a new identity: a team that doesn’t just defend, but can outscore anyone. The victory was their first against the Suns since March 15, 2024, and improved their record to 2-1, tying them with the Denver Nuggets for second in the Western Conference. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder, at 4-0, stand ahead.
What Made This Game Unforgettable
It wasn’t just the points. It was the drama. Twelve lead changes. Seven ties. A 15-point deficit erased in the final minutes of the third quarter. The arena, packed to its 18,306-capacity limit, was electric. Fans stood for the final five minutes of regulation. They screamed as Markkanen hit a three with 1:12 left in overtime to put the Jazz up by four. And when the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard didn’t just read 138-134—it read legacy.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Jazz face the Sacramento Kings on October 29 at Golden 1 Center, a tough road test against a fast-paced, young team. But with Markkanen riding a wave of confidence, they’re no longer just hopeful—they’re dangerous. Meanwhile, the Suns host the Los Angeles Lakers on October 28 at Footprint Center. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis waiting, the pressure on Phoenix’s roster and coaching staff will only intensify. If they lose again, the whispers about Vogel’s job security will become shouts.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
Markkanen’s 51 points aren’t just a personal milestone—they’re a statement. The Jazz, long seen as a defensive, methodical team, are evolving. Markkanen, once labeled a stretch big, has become a full offensive engine. He’s the first European-born player in Jazz history to score 50 in a game. He’s the first player since Luka Dončić to drop 50+ with 14+ rebounds and 6+ threes. And he did it in Salt Lake City, a place where legends are quietly made, not loudly announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has any Jazz player ever scored more than 50 points before Markkanen?
No. Before Lauri Markkanen’s 51-point performance on October 27, 2025, the highest-scoring game in Utah Jazz history was 47 points by Adrian Dantley on January 4, 1984. That record stood for 41 years, making Markkanen’s feat the most significant individual milestone in franchise history.
How does Markkanen’s 51-point game compare to other NBA performances this season?
Markkanen’s 51 points were the highest single-game total in the 2025-26 NBA season through October 27. Only Nikola Jokić and Jayson Tatum had previously hit 50+ that season, but neither matched his combination of rebounds (14) and three-pointers (6). He’s the first player since 2023 to post 50/14/6 in a game, joining an elite group that includes Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić.
Why is this win significant for the Jazz’s playoff chances?
The Jazz were 1-2 before this game and hovering near the bottom of the Western Conference playoff picture. This win, combined with their improved offensive rhythm, pushes them to 2-1 and ties them with the Nuggets. With Markkanen playing at this level, they’re no longer just a defensive team—they’re a legitimate threat to make noise in the playoffs if they stay healthy.
What does this mean for Devin Booker and the Suns’ future?
Booker’s 34-point, 10-assist night showed he’s still an elite player, but the Suns’ 1-3 start and third straight loss raise serious concerns. With Frank Vogel under fire and key players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal missing time, the Suns’ title window may be closing faster than expected. This loss to the Jazz—especially in such dramatic fashion—could be the wake-up call they desperately need.
How rare is a 50-point, 14-rebound, 6-three-pointer game in NBA history?
Extremely rare. Only three players in NBA history have ever posted those exact numbers: Luka Dončić (twice), Giannis Antetokounmpo, and now Lauri Markkanen. It’s a combination of size, shooting, and scoring versatility that few possess. Markkanen is the first 7-footer to do it since the 2010s, and the first European-born player ever to reach 50 in a game for the Jazz.
What’s the significance of the game being played at Vivint Arena?
Vivint Arena, with its deafening crowd and tight court, has long been a fortress for the Jazz. But this was different. It wasn’t just a home win—it was a historic moment in a building that’s hosted legends like Stockton, Malone, and Dantley. Markkanen’s performance cemented his place among them. The arena’s 18,306-seat capacity was full, and the energy was unlike anything seen since the Jazz’s 2022 playoff run.
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