Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen posts 7'4 Zach Edey

SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen has picked up right where he left off last season, using his athleticism and explosiveness to dwarf NBA defenders. The eighth-year Utah Jazz forward used every inch of his 6-foot frame to throw down a brutal dunk on towering rookie Zach Edey.

The Jazz will play the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024-25 season opener on Wednesday, October 23rd.

RELATED: Utah Jazz forward John Collins sends blocked shot into crowd at Delta Center

This bucket yields 🇫🇮23🇫🇮 for ​​#23 #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/p0EjRwSk2h

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 24, 2024

Midway through Utah's third-quarter run, the Finnish forward exploded from the baseline and caught a lob from Keyonte George. Marrkanen intercepted the pass with the rim almost at eye level before launching a monster ball as two-time National Player of the Year Edey looked on helplessly.

Markkanen didn't miss a beat after signing a massive offseason contract, leading Utah with an efficient 16 points on eight shot attempts in 16 first-half minutes. He had seven points in the third quarter, leading all scorers with 23 points.

The Jazz struggled to hit or even attempt a three-pointer, making one of seven attempts in the first half, while Memphis knocked down 11 shots from distance. Midway through the third quarter, Utah trails Memphis 79-72.

How to watch Memphis Grizzlies @ Utah Jazz

The Jazz open the regular season on Wednesday, October 23rd at home against the Memphis Grizzlies at 7:00 p.m. MST. The game will be televised on KJZZ, streamed on Jazz+ and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.

Expectations for the Jazz 2024-25

With a heavy emphasis on youth, the Jazz are not expected to compete in the crowded Western Conference race for a playoff spot.

While the Jazz are eager to learn more about their eight players on the roster who are 23 years old or younger, the extremely talented 2025 NBA Draft class will also likely influence how the front office manages the roster throughout the season.

𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐀𝐘!

We caught up with Lauri and Brice ahead of the season opener to see what they're looking forward to and find out if they're still nervous about starting a new season 🤔#ShootaroundInterviews presented by @ZionsBank

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 23, 2024

The Jazz begin the year competing with the Portland Trail Blazers for the worst record in the West. At the same time, fans have to keep an eye on the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors among the cellar dwellers in the East.

Wins will not be the measure of the Jazz's success, but youth development, cultural identity and lottery placements will play a major role at the end of the season.

Utah Jazz-Memphis Grizzlies game day coverage

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Brian Preece is a KSLsports.com insider covering locals in the MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian's Bees and Beehive baseball coverage here.

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