Jazz Keep It Close With Cavaliers Behind Strong Walker Kessler Quarter
Mar 23, 2025, 2:21 PM
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) yells toward a referee during an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, March 17, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz were able to keep the score close in the first quarter against the Cavaliers, mostly thanks to a strong start from Walker Kessler.
Kessler led all scorers with seven points and he added seven rebounds and a block to his total.
KESS
CORNER
THREE
🤠🤠🤠 pic.twitter.com/BXFSoJPorh— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 23, 2025
Four of Kessler’s seven boards were offensive, leading to some second-chance points.
Going into the second quarter, the Jazz and Cavs were tied in points in the paint. That is an area that Cleveland usually dominates with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen holding it down in the paint.
The Cavaliers led by as much as 12 in the opening quarter but Utah closed the gap down to six.
when your innie’s really good at blocking shots 🤠🚫#TakeNote | @walkerkessler13 pic.twitter.com/gjddMKnwtp
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 23, 2025
Kessler has really come into his own in year three.
His sophomore season was a slight step back from his rookie campaign. But, in 54 games so far this season, he is averaging 11.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. All of those marks are career highs.
Jazz Continue Homestand Against Cavaliers
The Utah Jazz continue their homestand against a slumping Cleveland Cavaliers in a rare midday game today.
The Jazz are currently 1-2 as they begin the fourth game of six straight at home. Prior to their win over Washington on Wednesday, they had lost a season-long 10 games in a row. With 11 games left on the schedule, Utah has the second-toughest remaining strength of the schedule.
The Cavaliers definitely contribute to that stat. However, coming into their only game in Salt Lake this season, they are on their longest losing streak of the season at four games. Even with that recent stretch, they hold the second-best record in the NBA and are in firm control of the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
This is the second and final matchup between Utah and Cleveland. The Cavaliers hosted the Jazz on December 23 and won 124-113.
Jazz Gameday Reading
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- Jazz Notes Mailbag: What To Make Of Walker Kessler Threes?
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Follow the Jazz with KSL Sports
Tonight’s game against the Cavaliers 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.
