Jazz 131, Raptors 128: Four Key Takeaways

The Utah Jazz make it three in a row at home.

Walker Kessler flirted with a triple-double, scoring 17 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and blocking seven shots as the Utah Jazz defeated the Toronto Raptors, 131-128.

The Jazz took advantage of three days' rest and jumped out to a 14- point lead in the second quarter. However, Utah continued to struggle to defend ball-dominant guards in its half-court defensive sets. 

Led by Fred VanVleet’s second career triple-double, Toronto was able to come back to obtain a one-point advantage with 6:33 left, but that lead would be short-lived. With the combination of Kessler’s rim protection and Jordan Clarkson scoring seven points in the final two minutes, it was the Jazz that outlasted the Raptors for the win.

What did we learn in Utah’s third straight win at Vivint Arena? Let’s break it down.

Kessler Keeps Getting Better

Kessler arguably had his best game of the year. The 2022 Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year blocked six shots in one quarter of play, which hasn’t been done by any player this season. The writing has been on the wall for a while, but Kessler needs starter minutes every night. 

Along with the blocked shots, Kessler’s 17 points came on an efficient 8-for-10 shooting while also creating second-chance opportunities for his teammates by hauling in seven offensive rebounds. Playing the emerging rookie anything less than 30 minutes per game is coaching malpractice at this point.

Log Jam at Guard 

The Jazz didn’t extend Collin Sexton to a $71 million contract last summer to only dish out 20 minutes of court time per game for the former No. 8 overall pick. With the trade deadline just around the corner, expect the Jazz to trade one of their guards to clear a path for more playing time for Sexton and Ochai Agbaji. 

Mike Conley and Clarkson are candidates to be moved, but my money is on Malik Beasley suiting up for another team post-trade deadline.

Olynyk Out of Sync Since Injury

The Jazz need to get more out of Kelly Olynyk since he’s been reinserted into the starting lineup after a nine-game layoff. Olynyk has only scored five points in his two games back on 22% shooting. 

It’s a small sample size, but Jazz fans have to be wondering whether his ankle is fully recovered. Utah is thin at the power forward position, and if the Jazz are in the market to be buyers, this would be where they’ll be looking to upgrade.

Upcoming Schedule

Utah has three games at home before the February 9 trade deadline, with two being against Western Conference foes in Dallas and Minnesota. Utah should be favored in both games, but by a slim margin. 

The Mavericks boast a 9-16 record on the road, while the Timberwolves will be in the second game of a back-to-back. Let’s see if the Jazz can take advantage of the scheduling and create some distance in the congested Western Conference.

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