UTAH JAZZ
Walker Kessler Slams Alley-Oop From Kelly Olynyk To Start Jazz-Heat Game
SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Walker Kessler threw down a slam dunk on an alley-oop from Kelly Olynyk during the opening minutes of Utah’s game against the Miami Heat.
The Heat hosted the Jazz at Miami-Dade Arena on Monday, March 13.
With 10:25 left in the first quarter, Olynyk lobbed a pass above the rim and into the hands of Kessler. The rookie from Auburn caught the pass and threw the ball through the cylinder for Utah’s first points of the contest.
Kessler’s dunk cut Miami’s lead to 3-2.
toss it 𝙪𝙥, to throw it 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣#TakeNote | @WalkerKessler13 pic.twitter.com/DnfhFMGHbb
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 13, 2023
During his first five minutes on the court, Kessler had two points on 1-1 field goals. He also had three rebounds and an assist. Olynyk had one rebound and an assist in five minutes.
This season, Olynyk is averaging 12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.9 steals in 28.3 minutes per game.
Kessler is averaging 8.6 points per contest on 72.1 percent shooting. He’s also averaging 8.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 0.4 steals in 22.3 minutes.
Utah’s game against Miami is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.
Jazz vs. Heat
Utah will wrap up their season-long six-game road trip Monday night in Miami. The Jazz opened the trip with three consecutive losses but rebounded with back-to-back wins over the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets. The Heat meanwhile are looking for positive momentum to prepare for the playoffs after a disappointing season so far.
The Jazz will again be without Jordan Clarkson who is missing his fourth straight game due to a sprained finger on his left hand.
The high-scoring guard will miss his sixth game in his last seven outings due to hand injuries.
UPDATED @utahJazz Injury Report against the @MiamiHEAT.
*OUT – Jordan Clarkson (left hand – fourth finger sprain)
OUT – Micah Potter (G League – Two-Way)
OUT – Collin Sexton (left hamstring strain)#TakeNote | @kslsports
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) March 13, 2023
Clarkson also missed two games due to a thumb injury on his right hand before suffering his latest finger sprain.
The Jazz currently sit in the ninth seed in the West but are tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, and New Orleans Pelicans with a 33-35 record.
With a loss to Miami, the Jazz would fall to the 12th seed in the West.
LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz wrap up their road trip against the @MiamiHEAT on https://t.co/4kU961UAvR and the @KSLSportsZone.#TakeNote https://t.co/fqN9jm1pO7 pic.twitter.com/6TthAeebz5
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 13, 2023
Heat Need Strong Finish
The Heat will look to bounce back from Saturday night’s overtime loss to the Magic when they host the Jazz.
Miami got 38 points from superstar Jimmy Butler but were outscored by the Magic 18-6 in the extra period.
The Heat had won three out of four heading into Saturday’s loss and will look to regain that momentum before a road-heavy close to their season.
After facing the Jazz, Miami will play seven of its final 12 games away from home.
