The Utah Jazz (35-39) and Phoenix Suns (39-35) have a few issues in frequent heading into the house stretch of the season.
Both groups are nonetheless within the thick of it relating to the postseason. And each are attempting to make do with out key gamers.
And just like the Suns did Saturday evening in opposition to Philadelphia, the Jazz comes into Monday’s matchup in Salt Lake City hoping to interrupt a three-game shedding streak.
Utah got here near discovering a option to win in Sacramento on Saturday regardless of lacking its three main scorers: Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton.
Rookie Walker Kessler had among the finest video games in franchise historical past for a first-year participant, main the comeback.
Kessler scored 31 factors on 14-of-16 taking pictures and hauled in 11 rebounds in opposition to Sacramento, serving to Utah pull inside placing distance within the fourth quarter earlier than the Kings completed them off.
Rookie Ochai Agbaji added 20 factors, and Jarrell Brantley had 13 for the relentless Jazz.
“We are all fighters,” Kessler mentioned. “Going into this game, we knew that it was going to be a battle. We knew we weren’t going to quit regardless of who was sitting or not. I’m super proud of this team and how we played. Obviously disappointing that we didn’t get the win, but it says a lot about the team.”
Kessler turned the first-ever rookie in Jazz franchise historical past to document at the least 30 factors and double-digit rebounds. The massive man has been a pleasing shock after being one of many many items Utah acquired from Minnesota in trade for three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
“He contributes to winning,” Jazz coach Will Hardy mentioned of Kessler. “You don’t see a ton of rookies coming in and contribute to winning. … You don’t see a ton of rookies come in and immediately make an impact. He’s done that.”
The Jazz continues to be simply on the surface trying in on one of many 4 play-in spots, whereas the Suns are holding on to the No. 4 place.
Phoenix earned a formidable 125-105 win over Philadelphia on Saturday even with out Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton.
Bismack Biyombo was the distinction for the Suns with 17 factors, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks. Devin Booker scored 29 to assist finish the skid. Phoenix had misplaced six of seven.
“Bizzy plays hard,” Phoenix guard Chris Paul mentioned. “That’s a talent. He’s in the right spot at the right time and his energy — we feed off it. He covers up a lot of our mistakes on the defensive end.”
“When things are not going well, what do you do?” Biyombo mentioned. “You’ve just got to put your head down and keep working and eventually we’ll catch a break.”
The Suns completed sturdy in opposition to the Sixers, outscoring them 36-22 within the fourth quarter.
This would be the third and ultimate common season recreation between Phoenix and Utah, who had a pair of one-point video games in November.
Utah earned a 134-133 residence win regardless of 49 factors from Booker and Phoenix then held serve within the Valley of the Sun, 113-112, per week later.
