Late Clarkson Free Throw Carries Jazz Over Timberwolves
Jan 16, 2023, 4:29 PM | Updated: Jan 17, 2023, 9:56 am
SALT LAKE CITY – Jordan Clarkson hit a free throw with four seconds left to play as the Utah Jazz beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-125.
Walker Kessler scored 20 points and grabbed 21 rebounds, becoming the first rookie in Jazz history to record a 20/20 game.
Seven Jazz players scored in double-digits as the Jazz snapped the Timberwolves four-game home winning streak.
First Quarter
Rudy Gobert started against the Jazz after suffering a groin strain on Saturday in the Timberwolves’ win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. But, after just five minutes on the floor, Gobert subbed out of the game and went to the locker room.
The Jazz shot well from three in the first quarter knocking down 5-12 attempts, led by Ochai Agbaji and Mike Conley who connected on two each.
Second unit sparks 💥 #TakeNote #UTAvsMIN https://t.co/60gk74WYXh
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 16, 2023
Collin Sexton led the Jazz with eight points off the bench while D’Angelo Russell led all scorers with 13.
After one the Jazz and Timberwolves were tied at 27.
Second Quarter
The Jazz cooled off from downtown in the second quarter converting on 1-11 three-point attempts.
Despite their poor shooting and five second quarter turnovers, the Jazz kept the game close by outrebounding Minnesota 16-9 including five offensive boards.
The Stifle Tower's day is done against his former team. #TakeNote #UTAvsMIN https://t.co/f8YjRxO1tL
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 16, 2023
Sexton upped his scoring total to 11 while three other Jazz players added eight points a piece.
At the break, the Jazz trailed the Timberwolves 58-52.
Third Quarter
Anthony Edwards found a groove early in the third for the Timberwolves scoring eight quick points after shooting 2-10 in the first half.
Walker Kessler took over the game midway through the quarter as the Timberwolves were forced to turn to Luka Garza as their backup center.
Walker Stockton out there. 🏀💨#TakeNote #UTAvsMIN https://t.co/eOC3I2YVCs
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 16, 2023
Kessler finished the third with 14 points, and career-highs in rebounds and assists with 19 and four.
After taking a 79-77 lead, the Jazz were outscored 18-8 and trailed the Timberwolves 95-87.
Fourth Quarter
The Jazz opened the quarter shooting a perfect 12-12 from the floor through the first eight and a half minutes.
Ochai Agbaji tied the game at 116 with 3:30 left to play, then extended the lead to five with 1:26 left to play.
The Timberwolves tied the game with a 5-0 run, but sent Jordan Clarkson to the free-throw line with four seconds left.
Clarkson split the free throws, but his make proved to be the difference as the Jazz beat Minnesota 126-125.
