Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
Walker Kessler, Team USA Stay Undefeated In FIBA Warmups
Aug 12, 2023, 3:34 PM
Walker Kessler #14 of Team USA (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Walker Kessler scored two points in cleanup minutes for Team USA as they defeated Slovenia 92-62 in their second FIBA exhibition game.
Kessler checked in for the first time with three and a half minutes left to play and Team USA leading by nearly 30 points.
The Jazz center quickly snared a rebound, and with 25 seconds remaining, scored his only basket on a spinning layup past a Slovenian defender.
Love a great 🌪️ move
🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/8kslgIJsv4
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 12, 2023
Team USA was led by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards who scored 15 points for the second consecutive game.
Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic did not play in the friendly matchup.
Kessler, Team USA Retake Floor Sunday
After knocking off Slovenia, Team USA and Kessler will stay in Malaga to face Spain on Sunday.
The team will play its final exhibition games against Greece and Germany in Abu Dhabi beginning on August 18.
Kessler and Team USA will then travel to compete in the FIBA World Cup group stage in Manila.
August 26: vs. New Zealand – 6:40 AM MST
August 28: vs. Greece – 6:40 AM MST
August 30: vs. Jordan – 2:4o AM MST
The quarterfinals will begin on September 5 and will conclude with the gold medal game on September 10.
Kessler On Deep Team USA Roster
The Team USA roster is led by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and features 12 of the brightest young stars in the NBA.
4: Tyrese Haliburton – G – Indiana Pacers
5: Mikal Bridges – F – Brooklyn Nets
6: Cam Johnson – F – Brooklyn Nets
7: Brandon Ingram – F – New Orleans Pelicans
8: Paolo Banchero – F – Orlando Magic
9: Bobby Portis – F – Milwaukee Bucks
10: Anthony Edwards – G – Minnesota Timberwolves
11: Jalen Brunson – G – New York Knicks
12: Josh Hart – G – New York Knicks
13: Jaren Jackson Jr. – F – Memphis Grizzlies
14: Walker Kessler – C – Utah Jazz
15: Austin Reaves – G – Los Angeles Lakers
