The Finnish Sniper Is Back: Jazz Star Lauri Markkanen Heating Up Early in the Season

Most importantly, he looks healthy. That wasn’t always the case last season, when he appeared in only 47 games and struggled to find rhythm or consistency. Now, he’s averaging career highs across the board and doing it with confidence and command. He’s in full control of the Jazz offense, and they’re giving him the green light every trip down.

His usage is sky-high, but his efficiency hasn’t dipped. His footwork on the perimeter is tighter, his handle is cleaner, and he’s reading defenses faster. He’s punishing switches and torching doubles. That’s a bad sign for opponents — and a great one for a Utah team still searching for identity.

It’s not just volume either. He’s averaging four made threes per game on 40 percent shooting, showing that his jumper is not only back — it’s sharper. Add in the fact that he’s getting to the free throw line with regularity and hitting 91.4 percent, and it’s clear: Markkanen is in the zone.

Still, the question lingers: can he keep this up?

He’s averaging over 38 minutes per game — a heavy load for any player, especially one with a history of injuries. The Jazz will need to manage that carefully. But for now, Markkanen is thriving. He’s producing at an elite level and doing it with a sense of purpose that was missing last season.

This version of Lauri Markkanen isn’t chasing a comeback. He’s commanding respect. He’s demanding defensive attention. And more than anything, he’s proving that his 2023 All-Star season wasn’t a peak — it was just the start.

Four games in, it’s obvious: the Finnish sniper is back. And this time, he’s aiming higher than ever.