Walker Kessler Violently Swats Shot During Jazz-Timberwolves Game
Nov 4, 2023, 8:14 PM
Walker Kessler (24) of the Jazz tries to block a shot from Maxi Kleber (42) of the Mavericks in Salt Lake City on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. The Mavericks won 115-101. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Walker Kessler swatted a shot during the final quarter of action during Utah’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The T-Wolves hosted the Jazz at Target Center on Saturday, November 4.
With 11:10 remaining in the fourth quarter, Naz Reid of the Wolves attempted a six-foot finger roll layup when his shot was met by the left hand of Kessler.
At the time of the rejection, Minnesota owned a 95-77 lead.
*another Blocker Kessler moment for your feed* pic.twitter.com/j6cbSjgXvp
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 5, 2023
Midway through the final quarter, Kessler had four points on 2-3 shooting, four rebounds, and three blocks in 22 minutes on the hardwood.
This season, the second-year player from Auburn is averaging 7.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks in 23.2 minutes per contest.
Utah’s game against Minnesota is broadcast on KJZZ, Jazz+, NBA League Pass, KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM), sports.ksl.com, and the KSL Sports app.
Jazz vs. Timberwolves
The Jazz travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves to open a four-game road trip on Saturday.
Utah is 2-4 on the season coming off a disappointing 115-113 loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday.
The Timberwolves are 2-2 but are coming off one of the best wins by any team in the NBA this season after blowing out the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday at home.
LISTEN LIVE: The @utahjazz are looking to bounce back as they are on the road to face the @Timberwolves on the @kslsports app, @KSLSportsZone, and:https://t.co/av1HdoFPz8 pic.twitter.com/I8xoZmCvhT
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 5, 2023
Jazz Battling Inconsistency Early In The Season
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Outside of strong play early from Lauri Markkanen and the reliable contributions from newcomer John Collins the Jazz have struggled to find a consistent identity through six games.
Jordan Clarkson, last season’s second-leading scorer has shot below 31 percent in five of six outings, and is averaging 3.8 turnovers per game.
Talen Horton-Tucker has yet to score in double-digits in back-to-back games and is shooting just 41 percent from the floor and 21 percent from three.
Collin Sexton has the best shooting percentages of the Jazz guards but has failed to record an assist in three of his six outings.
Similarly, rookie phenom Walker Kessler has had a less-than-ideal start to the year. The center has broken the double-digit scoring mark just once this season, has scored four or fewer points three times, and has the seventh-worst total plus-minus of any player in the NBA.
The Jazz did receive good news after Thursday’s loss. Markkanen was not listed on the team’s injury report despite a scary fall against the Magic.
After facing the Timberwolves the Jazz will travel to Chicago, Indiana, and Memphis before returning home.
your Saturday night plans are covered.
🎟️ » https://t.co/2tsMcOuyTJ pic.twitter.com/VZyszouXrA
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 4, 2023
Timberwolves Find Rhythm Against Nuggets
After a disappointing 1-2 start to the season, the Timberwolves found their groove with an impressive 110-89 victory over the previously unbeaten Denver Nuggets.
Anthony Edwards scored a team-high 24 points while the Timberwolves held the Nuggets to just 39 percent shooting from the floor and 18 percent from three.
RELATED: Jazz Face Timberwolves, Gobert After Career Worst Shooting Night
Former Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert had the worst shooting night of his career against the Nuggets failing to convert any of his seven attempts from the floor.
Gobert still recorded four points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in the win.
Kyle Ireland is a Sports Producer and Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com. He’s also co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on X/Twitter (@kyleireland), Instagram (@kyleirelandksl), and Threads (@kyleirelandksl).
