Even in Loss to Pistons, Jazz See Lessons in Svi Mykhailiuk's Career Night
DETROIT — Lauri Markkanen recalls noticing the athletic young Ukrainian on the opposite side of the court during the warmups of the 2015 FIBA U18 EuroBasket between Finland and Ukraine. The standout was Svi Mykhailiuk, a guard who had just committed to Kansas and was showing off impressive dunks during layup lines, grabbing the attention of many, including the visiting team.
Ten years later, Mykhailiuk made a similar impact in Detroit — not with high-flying dunks, as the 28-year-old has lost some of his early explosiveness, but with a variety of shots that kept the game competitive in a 114-103 Detroit win over Utah at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
Career-High Performance
The journeyman guard scored a career-high 28 points, shooting 10-of-16 from the field and sinking six 3-pointers despite the loss.
"I've played against him in international games, I've known him from college days," Markkanen said. "He's steadily getting better. I'm happy he found a role that he can play. He's doing a good job for us."
Chasing a Role Across Teams
Mykhailiuk’s growth has come through persistence. The Jazz are his eighth NBA team. His journey includes time with the Lakers, a stint in Detroit (raising questions about whether Wednesday’s matchup was a revenge game), the Thunder, Raptors, Knicks, Hornets, and a full season with Boston.
Author's Summary
Svi Mykhailiuk’s career reflects steady development and adaptability, culminating in a standout performance that, despite a loss, highlights his evolving role and impact in the NBA.