Walker Kessler Opens Thunder-Jazz Game With First Career Three-Pointer

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Walker Kessler connected on a corner three-pointer to open Utah’s first game post-All-Star break against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Jazz hosted the Thunder at Vivint Arena on Thursday, February 23.

Only 13 seconds into the contest, the rookie from Auburn received a pass from Talen Horton-Tucker before unleashing a 25-foot attempt from the near corner.

Kessler’s shot sailed through the cylinder and gave the Jazz an early 3-0 lead.

It was the center’s first career three-point attempt and make.

let's watch that again ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/dVXsavFAig

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 24, 2023

During his first three minutes on the court, Kessler had three points on 1-2 field goals. He added one rebound and a block. This season, the rookie is averaging 8.2 points per game on 71.2 percent shooting. He also averages 7.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 0.4 steals in 21.3 minutes per game.

Utah’s game against Oklahoma City is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.

Thunder vs. Jazz

Collin Sexton Out With Hamstring Injury

On Wednesday, the Jazz announced that Collin Sexton had a left hamstring injury and would miss Thursday’s contest against the Thunder

Sexton is due to have the injury reexamined on Monday which will also keep him out of Saturday’s game at home against the San Antonio Spurs.

The speedy guard suffered the injury in the first quarter of the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Wednesday, their final game before the All-Star break.

During the break, the Jazz added additional guard depth to fill out the roster by signing veterans Frank Jackson and Kris Dunn to 10-day contracts.

Both Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones, who were acquired at the trade deadline, are likely to make their home debuts for the Jazz against the Thunder.

LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz vs. @okcthunder on https://t.co/4kU961V8lp and the @KSLSportsZone.#TakeNote https://t.co/G1LbPoPCz8 pic.twitter.com/hOle9dF1Kw

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 24, 2023

RELATED: What Do Frank Jackson, Kris Dunn Offer Jazz?

Thunder Closed First Half Of Season Well

The Thunder come into Utah having played their best basketball of the season over their last 21 games.

Oklahoma City has won 13 of their last 21 outings to climb into the 10th spot in the West, and are likely to compete for a spot in the Western Conference Play-In tournament.

Thursday marks the first meeting between the Thunder and Jazz this season.

The two teams will meet three more times before the season’s end, including back-to-back games in Oklahoma City next week as the Jazz open a six-game road swing.

Follow @kyleireland