When until recently it seemed that Utah had put aside his playoff aspirations in this season to focus clearly on the development of their youth, those same inexperienced players began to lead a new push to reach the postseason. And this Saturday they took a fundamental step towards it: victory against the Boston Celtics by 118-117.
The key play of victory? A Rookie Walker Kessler’s winning block against Grant Williamsat the last second.
SAY LESS KESS 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bTR8BXWx75
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 19, 2023
Kessler is one of those rookies who commands this second leg of the Utah campaign and makes Rudy Gobert quickly forget like that defensive interior capable of protecting the rim like few others in the league. The former Auburn finished with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks against Boston, with 5 of 7 attempts to the basket converted.
The other rookie who is becoming increasingly prominent in Utah is Ochai Agbaji. The ex-Kansas was key against Boston, started again as a starter and contributed 16 points, 4-8 in triples and his usual good defensive performance, even when it comes to marking Jayson Tatum. He was one of those who contributed (Kessler also did his thing) for the Celtics forward to finish with just 15 points and 4-12 from the field.
Of course, although Kessler and Agbaji are two of the names in Utah in recent months, there is a figure that has been maintained since the very beginning of the campaign: Lauri Markkanen, author of 28 points and 10 rebounds against Boston that strengthen your case as the player of Most Progress of the Season. The only thing that seems to be missing from the Finn’s year is qualifying his team for the Playoffs. The Play-In, at least, is still fully within reach. To such an extent that the victory leaves them in 10th place (they displaced the Lakers to 11th).
Talen Horton-Tuckerprecisely a former Laker, was also essential to beat the Celtics, finishing with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and the winning layup in the final minute. Earlier, Markkanen and Agbaji had nailed a pair of decisive three-pointers to close the gap.
Up 1 with 5.0 seconds left in the fourth
Tune in to @attsportsnetrm 𝗡𝗢𝗪 pic.twitter.com/UGBbwqfESm
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 19, 2023
The drop also has major implications for Boston, which loses its place as the second in the East at the hands of Philadelphia, winner of eight consecutive matches. The Celtics, on the other hand, have 5-6 record in his last 11 performances.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA or its organizations.
