Mike Conley Hits Three-Pointer To Tie Scoreboard In Wolves-Jazz Game

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz guard Mike Conley hit a big three-pointer to tie the game late in the second half of Utah’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Jazz hosted the Wolves at Vivint Arena on Friday, December 9.

With 1:58 to go in the third quarter, Conley knocked down a 25-foot shot to tie the game at 79-79.

Utah had been trailing Minnesota since late in the opening quarter. The Wolves had built their lead to 15 points before the Jazz worked their way back.

that conley presence 💆 pic.twitter.com/xusa3oYn7H

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 10, 2022

It was Conley’s first game since he suffered a knee injury against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 19. Luckily for the guard and the Jazz, a serious knee injury was avoided.

After Conley’s injury, the Jazz lost five straight games. Without the veteran point guard, Utah had a 3-6 record before his return against Minnesota.

RELATED: Utah Jazz, Fans Honor Rudy Gobert With Tribute Video, Warm Welcome

At the end of the quarter, the Timberwolves owned an 82-79 lead. Conley had 12 points on 4-7 shooting, including 2-5 from three. He added one rebound and three assists in his first 17 minutes of action.

MIK3! pic.twitter.com/93OzTmnuFF

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 10, 2022

This season, Conley is averaging 10.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 30.5 minutes per game.

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

LISTEN LIVE: The @utahjazz welcome @rudygobert27 and the @Timberwolves to Vivint Arena on https://t.co/4kU961UAvR and the @KSLSportsZone.#TakeNote https://t.co/b5bNAVyrnE pic.twitter.com/WC21nDqEmb

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 10, 2022

Rudy Gobert Returns to Utah

Gobert said he’s hoping for a warm welcome from Jazz fans when he makes his return to Utah on Friday night.

The Minnesota Timberwolves open a five-game road trip in Utah where Gobert called home for the first nine seasons of his career.

Now back in Utah, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year shared his thoughts on his return to face the Jazz, and what he’s seen from rookie Walker Kessler.

Timberwolves vs. Jazz

Gobert said he was unsure of what reception he would get from fans upon making his first appearance in Utah in a rival uniform, but was hopeful he would be welcomed.

“I guess we’ll see, but from what I’ve seen on social media, hopefully, some good things,” Gobert said. “I don’t know how much they’re going to cheer for me, but regardless […] it should be a cool thing.”

Rudy was asked what kind of reaction he anticipates receiving from the #UtahJazz fans tonight at Vivint Arena.
His answer… 👇🏽#TakeNote l @kslsports l #RudyGobert pic.twitter.com/OWQxuvKt9t

— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) December 10, 2022

Jazz fans showed their appreciation to Gobert by sending their well-wishes to the center after he was traded to the Timberwolves.

Local company Vandy Creations took those messages and incorporated them into a large sign in the shape of Utah that was given to Gobert on Thursday night ahead of his matchup with the Jazz.

Gobert had the sign featuring inscriptions from Jazz fans taken to his residence in Utah that he has held onto even after the trade.

“It just warms my heart to see that the fans still took the time to do that for me, and it’s something that I’d be able to keep forever,” Gobert said. “I didn’t get to read all the messages yet but I’ve read a few and it means a lot.”

Rudy Gobert said he was hopeful he'd get a warm welcome from @utahjazz fans tonight at Vivint Arena.

And, he raved about rookie Walker Kessler early in his NBA career.

“I love him, I’ve heard great things about him.”#takenote https://t.co/XEEnwYdYDj

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 9, 2022

Gobert Praises Walker Kessler

After the trade that sent Gobert to Minnesota, Jazz fans quickly warmed to rookie Walker Kessler who made a name for himself as college basketball’s best shot blocker.

Kessler admitted after landing in Utah that watching Gobert helped him develop as a rim protector.

“Growing up, Rudy Gobert is one of the greatest shot blockers to ever play the game,” the fresh-faced 21-year-old said.

Gobert in return shared his thoughts on his heir-apparent with the Jazz.

This morning after the #Timberwolves shootaround Rudy Gobert was asked which former teammates he was most excited to see tonight in the game? His answer was an instant classic! 😂😂😂#TakeNote l @KSLSports pic.twitter.com/aBAbdjwYAz

— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) December 9, 2022

“I love him, I’ve heard great things about him,” Gobert told Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “It seems like he’s a great kid, and he’s a student of the game. Someone told me that before he came into the league, he watched a lot of film of me, so that’s kind of funny in a way. I’m really happy to see him play the way he’s playing. I wish him the best. I think he has a great future ahead of him.”

Kessler has played particularly well in his last three games.

Since the beginning of the month, Kessler is averaging 12.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks in 22 minutes per game while shooting 94 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the free throw line.

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