Lauri Markkanen dominated the EuroBasket friendlies. After a down season with the Utah Jazz, Markkanen looked like his old self again. While some were skeptical if he would keep that up when the real tournament begins, Markkanen proved without a shadow of a doubt that his impressive play during the EuroBasket friendlies was no fluke during their debut game against Sweden.
Finland won its first EuroBasket game against Sweden, with Markkanen playing a significant role in his home country’s victory.
Lauri Markkanen off to a STRONG @EuroBasket start!
๐ฅ 28 points
๐ฅ 6 rebounds
๐ฅ 1 poster slam
๐ฅ Finland W pic.twitter.com/830Uu6mQbbโ NBA (@NBA) August 27, 2025
Markkanen may not have been as dominant as he had been in previous performances, but he did what the best player on his team does: lead the team to victory. More importantly, he erased all doubt of the player he still is. It’s not like it’s a surprise at all that Markkanen would do something like this, but it’s still fun to see nonetheless.
If anything, it gives more hope for what’s to come for the Jazz this coming season. Utah’s not going to see a lot of wins this season, but seeing Markkanen return to form would still be a fun sight for fans to see.
Will prime Markkanen lead the Jazz to more wins down the line?