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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz dunks the ball over Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on October 21, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Utah Stages Massive Comeback, Takes Down Minnesota 132-126 In Overtime

Ryan Kostecka
Digital Content Writer

After holding onto a fourth-quarter lead to get a victory in their season-opener on Wednesday, the Jazz found themselves in an entirely different situation on Friday.

Playing against a Minnesota team with high aspirations, Utah was trailing by double digits at the end of the first quarter. But the Jazz never panicked, battling back to pick up the massive 132-126 win in overtime.

Now in a different role than he's accustomed to, Jordan Clarkson had his best game of the young season.

Starting at shooting guard, Clarkson was sensational after finishing with a team-high 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting and 7-for-12 from three-point territory. After a slow start, Clarkson scored 23 of his points in the second half and overtime.

Lauri Markkanen recorded his first double-double in a Utah uniform when he finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds. He also showed off his playmaking ability, dishing out five assists.

With Minnesota jumping out to a big lead and playing well offensively in the first half, Markkanen kept Utah afloat with his scoring. He then clinched the win with a key fadeaway late in overtime.

Mike Conley continued to shine as the starting point guard, serving as the calming and driving force of the offense. He finished with a double-double of 12 points and 11 assists, including a clutch three-pointer in overtime.

It wasn't the greatest of starts for Utah, as Minnesota came out on fire from the opening tip.

Apart from a Clarkson three-pointer, the Timberwolves dominated with a highly efficient offense by jumping out to a 15-3 lead. Utah stopped the bleeding with a quick 8-2 run, but the Jazz still trailed 41-26 at the end of one.

After the teams traded buckets for most of the second, Utah finally settled in on both ends of the court. Trailing by 14, the Jazz closed the half on a 9-4 run, aided by a three-point play from Walker Kessler and great play from Collin Sexton.

Utah trailed 64-55 at the break.

The third quarter is when the Jazz mounted the comeback.

Like Minnesota in the opening frame, Utah seized control with a 22-6 run over the first six minutes of the half. The Jazz hit four three-pointers during the run, as Clarkson and Markkanen combined for 14 points.

Leading by seven, Utah couldn't put the Timberwolves away as Jaylen Nowell kept Minnesota within striking distance.

The Jazz led 88-87 heading into the fourth.

The final 12 minutes provided all the drama as both teams were trading blows but couldn't put one another away.

Trailing by four, the Jazz went on an 18-7 run to lead 120-113 with 1:54 to play. After a Markkanen dunk, Clarkson and Olynyk caught fire from beyond the arc by knocking down three-pointers on four consecutive possessions.

Minnesota would respond, aided by a Rudy Gobert three-point play and a D'Angelo Russell bucket to tie the game at 120. Markkanen had a chance for the victory, but his shot at the buzzer hit off the back rim to send it to overtime.

After the teams traded baskets for most of overtime, Conley hit the game's biggest shot. After a drive and kick out from Clarkson to Conley, the lefty launched a rainbow three-pointer over a closing Russell to give Utah a 128-126 lead with a minute to play.

After Gobert missed two free throws, Markkanen sealed the victory with a bucket to give Utah a four-point lead with 12.6 seconds to play.