Walker Kessler produced a line of 13 points (5-of-7 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), 12 rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot in 34 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Lakers.
Having already recorded three times as many double-doubles as he had the entire 2023-24 season (seven), Kessler finished Monday’s defeat with his 22nd. The third-year center has been available for six of Utah’s last seven games, but the Jazz have not hesitated to sit Kessler, Lauri Markkanen, or John Collins due to injury or rest. That’s something to be mindful of after the All-Star break, as the Jazz are headed toward the draft lottery. Kyle Filipowski (nine points, one rebound, two steals, and two 3-pointers in 10 minutes) will benefit in cases where Kessler does not play.