While it’s true that there is currently no Cleveland Cavaliers basketball to watch right now, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is in the midst of its World Cup qualifying and it’s pretty fun.
It’s been filled with some clutch shots, phenomenal plays, and intense back-and-forth competitions.
Plus, Cavs star Lauri Markkanen has been in the middle of the action and that’s even more reason to watch.
Lauri Markkanen called GAME and eliminated Croatia from the WC Qualifiers 🥶#FIBAWC #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/26zf3kvRZO
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 4, 2022
In fact, Markkanen was front-and-center in the final seconds of the game between his home country, Finland, and Croatia.
With some pushback offense, a pass, and then a smooth three-pointer, Markkanen put Croatia away, even with Bojan Bogdanovic, Ivica Zubac, Mario Hezonja, and Dragan Bender suited up and playing.
Cleveland fans know just how special Markkanen is – and they are expected to see what he has in store.
Lauri Legend
Markkanen has only played a single season with the Cavs but, so far, he’s done some impressive work.
He has averaged 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists a game.
That is actually a tad bit down from his best season (2018 with the Chicago Bulls when he was putting up 18.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists a game) so there are many fans of the Cavaliers who think that the best is yet to come from the man they call The Finnisher.
The closing seconds of that FIBA game between Finland and Croatia shows what type of player Markkanen can be.
He’s a seven-foot power forward who isn’t opposed to some smooth offense and even three-pointers.
This last season he was shooting 35% from downtown but he has reached 40% in the past.
He can be a dangerous all-around player.
Croatia is now well aware of that – will the rest of the NBA know it soon too?
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