3 years agoCleveland Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen returned from a nine-game absence with a 22-point effort in Monday's loss to the Nets, shooting 7-for-17 from the field and 3-for-9 from outside with a perfect 5-for-5 mark at the line. He pulled down eight boards and added an assist and a block to his line in 31 minutes of action. This is his best scoring performance of the season, so Markkanen looks to be in great shape despite missing three weeks while in the league's health and safety protocols. He's now notched 20-plus points in back-to-back games, averaging 18 shots a night. The Finnish forward faces Phoenix's tough defense next, but Saturday's clash with Orlando looks like a great matchup for Markkanen. The Magic are ranked 28th in defensive efficiency, and they can't rebound the ball well either.--Taavi Pailk - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN