Jazz’s Horton-Tucker, Kessler Connect For Alley-Oop Dunk Against Raptors

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Walker Kessler threw down a slam dunk on an alley-oop from Talen Horton-Tucker during the final quarter of Utah’s game against the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors hosted the Jazz at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Friday, February 10.

With 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, Horton-Tucker connected with Kessler, who jammed the ball through the hoop to cut Toronto’s lead to 112-104.

🚨 Sky walkin' his way to a career-high 🚨#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/zPoGdYTvlN

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 11, 2023

The bucket gave Kessler 21 points for the game. He also had nine rebounds and an assist in 29 minutes of action. This season, the rookie from Auburn is averaging 8.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 0.4 steals in 20.6 minutes per contest.

Kessler's ability to operate in traffic both jumping catching passes or finishing makes him a real weapon.

The Raptors (and most teams) don't have an answer for that vertical spacing especially when his hands are so reliable.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) February 11, 2023

Horton-Tucker had seven points, five rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in 23 minutes. Horton-Tucker is recording 7.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.6 steals a game this season.

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

Jazz vs. Raptors

Utah Down Multiple Players

After trading Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at the trade deadline, the Jazz will be without three of the top six rotation players from the first half of the season.

Starting guard Jordan Clarkson is also out with a non-Covid illness against Toronto, while recently acquired Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, and Russell Westbrook have yet to join the Jazz.

That leaves the team with 10 players available including Leandro Bolmaro, Simone Fonteccho, and Udoka Azubuike who have rarely seen the floor this season.

The Jazz are coming off arguably their worst stretch of the year having lost three consecutive games at home for the first time this season.

The team has stops in Toronto, New York, Indiana, and Memphis on the road as they head into the All-Star break.

LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz vs. @Raptors#TakeNote https://t.co/btO2gdzlio pic.twitter.com/JrHoPv7IaV

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 11, 2023

Toronto Looking To Extend Win Streak

Despite heavy rumors that they may be sellers at the trade deadline, the Raptors turned out to be buyers as they reacquired former University of Utah star Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs.

OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet were all rumored to be available in trade talks but remained with the Raptors who are now expected to make a playoff push with Poeltl back in the lineup.

RELATED: Utah Jazz: Russell Westbrook ‘Open To Being Here’ 

Toronto sits in the 10th seed in the East and is 4.5 games back of the Miami Heat for the sixth seed and a guaranteed playoff spot.

The Jazz represent the Raptors’ second opponent in a five-game homestand that runs through the All-Star break.

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