Lauri Markkanen has career night in Bulls’ opener vs. Hornets

A new NBA season is here and if opening night is an indication of what’s to come, it is going to be a monster year for Lauri Markkanen.

The third-year player logged 35 points and 17 rebounds in 34 minutes in the Chicago Bulls’ 126-125 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

The Finnish forward shot 13 for 25 from the field, 1 for 7 from 3, and 8 for 10 from the free-throw line. His 35 points tied a career high and made him the first Bull to score 35 points in a season opener since Michael Jordan in 1995.

It was Markkanen’s 13th career 30-point game and sixth career game with 17 or more rebounds.

Here are the highlights:

Markkanen, 22, averaged 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game last season while shooting 43 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from 3, and 87.2 percent from the free throw line.