Lauri Markkanen

Western Conference Player of the Week by day, punisher of the Indiana Pacers’ defense by night. Right back to work after being crowned the top individual player in the Wild West and the Athlete of the Year in his native country, Lauri Markannen reaches to the sky for more, positioning himself in the dunker’s spot before stretching out for a rim-shaking one-handed lob for a jam. Entering the game on a red-hot pace both individually and from the team aspect, Markannen’s blend of efficiency and excellence helped the Utah Jazz cruise their sixth-consecutive win in convincing fashion. Needing just 15 shot attempts, the former All-Star forward put together a 32-point outburst, paired with 10 rebounds, three assists, and two 3-pointers on January 15, 2024.