When until recently it seemed that Jute he had set his own aside playoff aspirations in this season to clearly focus on the development of their youth, themselves inexperienced players began to drive a new push to get to the postseason. And this Saturday they took a fundamental step towards it: 118-117 win over the Boston Celtics.
The key game of victory? ONE Rookie Walker Kessler’s game-winning block against Grant Williamsat the last second.
SAY LESS KES 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bTR8BXWx75
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 19, 2023
Kessler is one of those rookies leading this second leg of the campaign in Utah and makes Rudy Gobert forget fast like this defensive interior capable of protecting the rim like few others in the league. The former Auburn is done with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks against Boston, with 5 of 7 field goal attempts converted.
The other rookie who is becoming more and more important in Utah is Ochai Agbaji. The former Kansas native was a starter against Boston, started again and contributed 16 points, 4-8 on 3-pointers and his usual good defensive performance, even when it comes to marking Jayson Tatum. He was one of the contributors (Kessler also did his thing) as the Celtics finished with just 15 points and 4-12 from the field.
Of course, even though Kessler and Agbaji have been two of the names in Utah for the past few months, there is one number that has held up since the start of the campaign: Lauri Markkanen, author of 28 points and 10 rebounds against Boston that strengthen your case as a player Biggest progress of the season. The only thing that seems to be missing from the Finn’s year is his team’s qualification for the Playoffs. Play-In, at least, is still fully accessible. So much so that the win leaves them in 10th place (they displaced the Lakers in 11th).
Talen Horton-Tuckerjust a former Laker, he was also essential in defeating the Celtics, finishing with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and game-winning layup in the final minute. Earlier, Markkanen and Agbaji had nailed a pair of crucial 3-pointers to close the gap.
Up 1 with 5.0 seconds left in the quarter
Tune in to @attsportsnetrm NOW pic.twitter.com/UGBbwqfESm
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 19, 2023
The fall also has significant implications for Boston, which loses its spot as second in the East at the hands of Philadelphia, winner of eight straight games. The Celtics on the other hand have 5-6 record in his last 11 performances.
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