(Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen helped his native Finland survive a close game with Sweden to open EuroBasket on Wednesday.

Playing in front of a home crowd, Finland downed Sweden 93-90 behind a big performance from the Utah Jazz All-Star.

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Markkanen Carries Finland Past Sweden

Continuing his dominance during friendlies, Markkanen scored 28 points to lead Finland past Sweden.

The sharpshooter connected on 7-15 field goal attempts, including 2-4 from three, while adding 12 points at the free-throw line.

Markkanen also led Finland with six rebounds in 32 minutes.

🇫🇮 Lauri Markkanen drops 28 PTS to help Finland prevail in their #EuroBasket home opener 🥶 pic.twitter.com/QuejotrpZa

— FIBA EuroBasket (

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