Jazz Center Walker Kessler Blocks Back-To-Back MVP Nikola Jokić
Dec 10, 2022, 9:02 PM
Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets has a shot blocked by Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz in the first half during an NBA game at Pepsi Center on December 10, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Walker Kessler rejected a shot attempt by two-time reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokić during the second half of Utah’s road game against the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets hosted the Jazz at Ball Arena on Saturday, December 10.
With 2:11 remaining in the third quarter, the rookie from Auburn denied an eight-foot shot attempt by the Nuggets center.
The block kept the scoreboard tied at 85-85.
🚫BLOCKER KESSLER🚫#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/JXapxmP7jx
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 11, 2022
At the end of the third quarter, the Nuggets owned a 92-90 advantage. During the first 36 minutes of game time, Kessler had 10 points on 4-6 field goals. He added seven rebounds and three blocks in his first 17 minutes on the floor.
This season, Kessler is averaging 6.0 points per game on 76.2 percent shooting. He also averages 5.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 0.2 steals per game.
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Utah’s game against Denver is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.
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Jazz vs. Nuggets
The Jazz face a difficult turnaround as they hop on a plane and travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets on Saturday night.
The Nuggets are coming off a thrilling 121-120 victory over the Trail Blazers on Thursday night in Portland.
Jamal Murray hit a clutch three-pointer with 0.9 seconds left over Jerami Grant to give the Nuggets the victory.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Denver which has struggled over the last month.
LISTEN LIVE: The @utahjazz are on the road for a quick trip against the @nuggets on the @KSLSportsZone and https://t.co/4kU961UAvR.#TakeNote https://t.co/U5GigSQtgT pic.twitter.com/Uk7Ju7yjaB
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 11, 2022
After opening the season 8-3, the Nuggets are just 7-7 since November 11.
Murray is listed as probable for Saturday’s game against the Jazz due to a left knee contusion.
The All-Star guard is coming off a torn ACL and was slow to find his rhythm to open the season. However, Murray has scored 20 points or more in seven of the Nuggets’ last ten games while shooting 42 percent from the floor and 36 percent from the three-point line.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic has continued his run of MVP level through the first third of the season for Denver. The superstar leads the Nuggets in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals at 23.5 points, 10.0 boards, 8.9 dimes, and 1.2 steals.
The Jazz represents the first game in an advantageous stretch for the Nuggets who will play six of their next seven games at home concluding with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Christmas Day.
