Walker Kessler Ties Jazz Record In Dominant First Half Against Raptors

TORONTO – Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler imposed his will in the first half against the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

His 18 rebounds earned him a spot in Utah’s franchise record books for most rebounds by a Jazzman in a single half. He tied the mark that Rudy Gobert set back in 2015 against the Houston Rockets.

Walker’s 18 rebounds in the first half ties the franchise record for rebounds in a half🏆📓#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/ln333HC0sB

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 8, 2025

Walker Kessler Ties Utah Jazz Record In Toronto

Kessler’s full stat line was six points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks. 10 of his 18 rebounds were offensive.

As a result of Kessler’s dominance, the Jazz had 12 more points in the paint.

Unfortunately, Utah turned the ball over 13 times to just 9 from the Raptors. That discrepancy paired with overall poor efficiency led to Toronto leading, 57-46, at the half.

At the break the @utahjazz trail the @raptors 57-46.

Outside of Walker Kessler matching the franchise record with 18 first half rebounds, not a lot to celebrate.#TakeNotepic.twitter.com/grOfPmw5kJ

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 8, 2025

Although tying the record rather than breaking it was somewhat disappointing, setting the record for total rebounds in a game was still very much on the table for Kessler,

Gobert also holds that record, nabbing 28 boards against the Warriors in 2021.

Raptors Host Jazz For First Matchup Of Season Series

The Utah Jazz are up north for the second game of their five-game road trip as they prepare to take on the Toronto Raptors for the first time this season.

Through 62 games, both Utah and Toronto are bottom five teams in the NBA. The Jazz are last in the West and 28th overall with a record of 15-47. The Raptors are 13th in the East and 26th overall with record of 20-42.

Coming into the matchup, Toronto has won back-to-back games and three of their last six. Meanwhile, the Jazz have lost three straight and only have one win in their last six games. Although the Raptors aren’t really in contention for the top lottery odds, both teams’ goals in the final stretch of the season are aligned.

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Follow the Jazz with KSL Sports

Tonight’s game against the Pistons 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.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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