Walker Kessler Gets Vertical To Stuff Jayson Tatum Dunk Attempt
Mar 21, 2025, 8:50 PM
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) grabs a rebound during a game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Brice Tucker, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Brice Tucker, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Late in the first half against the Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler risked being put on a poster as he met Jayson Tatum at the rim.
It ended up playing out in his favor as he got all ball with his left hand and sent Tatum packing.
THE KESSLER EFFECT 😳 pic.twitter.com/RdCZtYaRO8
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 22, 2025
Kessler was almost undoubtedly the Jazz’s best player in the first half against Boston.
He was composed in the paint, aggressive on the boards and on defense, and took great shots. At the half, he had eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and one block.
Kessler was Utah’s second-leading scorer, only trailing Collin Sexton who had 16.
talk to ’em, Bull 🗣️#TakeNote | @CollinSexton02 pic.twitter.com/6Ral59qXKk
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 22, 2025
Facing the reigning champion Celtics, the first half was much closer than some may have expected. Especially considering the Jazz were without Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson.
The shooting splits and rebounding numbers were nearly identical. Boston just hit four more threes and committed four fewer turnovers. Because of this, they led 60-51 at the break.
Jazz Close Season Series Against Celtics At Delta Center
The Utah Jazz will reach the midpoint of their six-game homestand as they host the Boston Celtics tonight.
Following a season-long losing streak of 10 games, the Jazz come off a win against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. The victory moved them from 30th in the NBA to 29th but they still sit last in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the Celtics have won three in a row and eight of their last nine. They won’t be able to catch up to Cleveland but sit comfortably in the second seed in the East.
This is the second and final matchup between Utah and Boston this season. The two teams last faced off at TD Garden on March 10 where the C’s pulled out a 114-108 win.
Jazz Gameday Reading
- Jazz Host Celtics Looking For Second Straight Win
- Jazz Notes Standings: Where Does Utah Stand In The Final Month?
- Jazz Snap 10-Game Losing Streak With Win Over Wizards
- NCAA Tournament Draft Pick Viewing Guide
- Jazz Notes Mailbag: What To Make Of Walker Kessler Threes?
- Bulls Beat Jazz, Serve As Cautionary Tale For Rebuilding
- Isaiah Collier Sets Up Lauri Markkanen Dunk With Alley-Oop Off Backboard
Follow the Jazz with KSL Sports
Tonight’s game against the Celtics is being televised on KJZZ, streamed on SEG+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.
Find sports.ksl.com coverage of the Jazz here.
