Walker Kessler Makes Impressive Block Against Hawks
Nov 9, 2022, 6:24 PM | Updated: 6:25 pm
Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz wears a Vote shirt as he warms up before their game agaisnt the Los Angeles Lakers during at the Vivint Arena November 7, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz rookie big man Walker Kessler made an impressive block in the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu drove into the paint and attempted a layup when Walker Kessler blocked the shot. The ball bounced off of Okongwu before going out of bounds, giving the Jazz possession.
At the other end, Jordan Clarkson threw an alley-oop to Kessler, who finished with a two-handed slam dunk. It’s a homecoming for Kessler, who is from Atlanta. Through the first half, Kessler had six points, two rebounds and two blocks on a perfect 3-for-3 from the field in six minutes.
not 'round here partner 🤠#TakeNote | @WalkerKessler13 pic.twitter.com/F4NGBomvGW
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 10, 2022
Jazz Get First Taste Of The East
The Jazz have had a unique start to the season facing 12 consecutive Western Conference opponents.
NBA schedulers appeared to have given the Jazz a gauntlet of unwinnable games to open the year but the team has exceeded even the wildest expectations.
The Jazz are a perfect 5-0 in Utah and have a 4-3 record on the road, including consecutive wins away from home over the Lakers and the Clippers.
The team now faces the Hawks to open a three-game road stand, before back-to-back games against the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday and Sunday.
Lauri Markkanen continued his strong play in Monday’s win over the Lakers finishing with 23 points on 10-15 shooting.
Jordan Clarkson added 22 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Atlanta didn’t miss a beat without Trae Young in the lineup, handing the Milwaukee Bucks their first loss of the year 117-98.
Young is averaging 28.2 points and 9.4 assists but has struggled shooting the ball. The guard has knocked down just 38 percent of his field goal attempts including 32 percent of his threes.
Former Spurs star Dejounte Murray had 25 points in Young’s absence to lead the Hawks.
The Jazz and Hawks is televised on AT&T SportsNet and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. The game will also be streamed on DirecTV Stream and FuboTV.
