Walker Kessler Blocks Five Shots During Opening Quarter Of Jazz-Grizzlies Game
Jan 8, 2023, 4:46 PM
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) grabs a rebound in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. The Jazz won 121-100. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Walker Kessler blocked five shots during the opening quarter of Utah’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies hosted the Jazz at FedEx Forum on Sunday, January 8.
RELATED: Utah Jazz Guard Jordan Clarkson Spins, Banks In Shot Against Memphis Grizzlies
During the first quarter of action, Kessler swatted five shot attempts by the Grizzlies. Kessler’s five rejections tied Joel Embiid’s mark for the most blocks in a quarter this season.
Blocker Kessler in the first quarter: ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
(that's a career-high)#TakeNote | @WalkerKessler13 pic.twitter.com/W1mR1sRpxm
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 8, 2023
At the end of the first quarter, the Jazz owned a 24-23 lead.
Walker Kessler in early triple-double territory with 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 blocks in the first quarter.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 8, 2023
During his first seven minutes on the hardwood, the Auburn product had two points on 1-3 field goals. He added three rebounds and five blocks while posting a plus-six rating.
The art of the block 🖌#TakeNote | @WalkerKessler13 pic.twitter.com/0hYjPlOG7t
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 8, 2023
Kessler entered the contest averaging 6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 0.3 steals in 18.6 minutes per game this season. He’s played in 40 games.
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Utah’s game against Memphis is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.
Jazz vs. Grizzlies
Jazz Face Well-Rested Memphis Team
While the Jazz had the rest advantage on Saturday after the Bulls had played in Philadephia on Friday, it will be the Memphis Grizzlies who should be the fresher team when they host the Jazz on Sunday.
After falling to Chicago the Jazz will take a quick trip to Memphis to face the Grizzlies on short rest.
RELATED: Bulls Get Hot In Fourth As Jazz Lose Late Lead
The Jazz and Bulls game concluded shortly before 8:30 pm MT on Saturday and will have a short turnaround when they tip off against the Grizzlies at 4 pm MT on Sunday.
LISTEN LIVE: The @utahjazz finish their road trip against the @memgrizz on https://t.co/4kU961UAvR and the @KSLSportsZone.#TakeNote https://t.co/1AX7Ty4kw4 pic.twitter.com/IVd7kCP3sW
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 8, 2023
The Grizzlies meanwhile have not played since their 123-115 victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.
Memphis sits at 25-13, a half-game behind the Denver Nuggets for the top spot in the West having won five straight and 13 of their last 17 outings.
The Grizzlies are the only undefeated team in the NBA over the last five games and own the best net rating in the league at 13.7.
Memphis owns the fifth-best offensive rating during the stretch and the second-best defensive rating.
